"Avatar: The Way of Water" grossed a solid $17 million in ticket sales from Thursday "preview" showings in the U.S. and Canada, according to studio estimates, an early indicator that the long-awaited James Cameron sequel is on track for a strong start at the domestic box office.
The movie, which cost at least $350 million to produce before marketing, is expected to collect $150 million to $175 million in North American ticket sales through Sunday, according to box office analysts.
The new film comes 13 years after the original "Avatar," which remains the highest grossing movie ever, not adjusting for inflation, at more than $2.9 billion.
