Avatar: The Manner of Water is already making field workplace waves (ha). The long-awaited sequel to James Cameron’s 2009 sci-fi blockbuster, The Manner of Water is enjoying in the whole lot from from 3D IMAX to common 2D and has change into a theatrical attraction, having on the time of writing made near $500 million globally. However in case you’re ready to observe this extremely lengthy film from the consolation of your personal sofa (the place you may press pause when you could use the lavatory), how lengthy will you need to wait?
Disney hasn’t but introduced when Avatar: The Manner of Water might be accessible to stream. For Marvel Cinematic Universe motion pictures, since Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, the corporate has adopted a minimal 45-day window between the theatrical debut and streaming launch. If Avatar: The Manner of Water follows that pipeline, the earliest it could actually arrive on the platform is Jan. 30. Nonetheless, relying on how profitable the film is, Disney tends to increase that pipeline — Thor: Love and Thunder hit streaming 62 days after its premiere, for example, and we nonetheless don’t have a streaming date for Black Panther: Wakanda Ceaselessly.
Not all Disney-produced motion pictures are beholden to that 45-day rule (see Unusual World, which is hitting Disney Plus on Dec. 23) however that destiny is normally reserved for movies that aren’t performing properly at field workplace. Judging by Avatar: The Manner of Water’s smashing success, that doesn’t appear to be the film’s end result. In truth, Disney will in all probability need to maintain the film in theaters for so long as potential. The unique film stayed in theaters for 234 days, in spite of everything. Whereas it’s unlikely that Disney will wait that lengthy to launch the sequel on Disney Plus, The Manner of Water may not hit streaming till properly into 2023.
There may be additionally the likelihood that the film finally ends up accessible to hire or obtain, with a streaming choice not being accessible till later. Such was the case with Prime Gun: Maverick, which received’t hit Paramount Plus until seven months after its debut (Dec. 22), regardless of being accessible to hire in August. If that’s the case, Avatar: The Manner of Water may very well be accessible to hire or buy round March 2023 (that’s the 90-day window), however not hit Disney Plus until additional into the 12 months.
There may be additionally one other hiccup: Disney is beholden to a lingering contract between 20th Century Studios and HBO. The contract expires in 2022, however it’s unclear if Avatar: The Manner of Water falls beneath it. In that case, the film may need a quick stint on HBO Max first earlier than shifting onto Disney Plus. Disney has not mentioned something concerning the matter.
Within the meantime, there are many choices to view the film in theaters — together with the 4DX launch. Take a look at our overview after which geek out over the house whales.
