Avatar: The Way of Water is already hitting the box office (ha). The long-awaited sequel to James Cameron’s 2009 sci-fi blockbuster, The way of the water starring in everything from 3D IMAX to regular 2D, has become a theatrical attraction, grossing nearly $500 million worldwide at the time of writing. But if you’re waiting to watch this impossibly long film from the comfort of your own couch (where you can hit pause if you need to use the bathroom), how long do you have to wait?
Disney has not yet announced when Avatar: The Way of Water will be available for streaming. For Marvel Cinematic Universe films, da Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, the company has introduced a window of at least 45 days between theatrical debut and streaming release. if Avatar: The Way of Water following this pipeline, the earliest it can arrive on the platform is January 30th. However, depending on how successful the film is, Disney tends to extend that pipeline – Thor: Love and Thunder Hit streaming 62 days after it premiered, for example, and we still don’t have a streaming date for it Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
Not all films produced by Disney are bound by this 45-day rule (see strange world, coming to Disney Plus on December 23), but that fate is usually reserved for films that don’t do well at the box office. Measured at Avatar: The Way of Water’The resounding success does not seem to be the result of the film. In fact, Disney will likely want to keep the film in theaters for as long as possible. The original film stayed in theaters for 234 days. Though it’s unlikely Disney will wait the long wait to release the sequel on Disney Plus, The way of the water streaming may not reach until well into 2023.
There’s also a chance the film will be available to rent or download, with a streaming option coming later. That’s how it was at Top Gun: Maverick, which Paramount Plus won’t hit until seven months after its debut (December 22), although it’s available for rent in August. If that’s the case, Avatar: The Way of Water could be available to rent or buy around March 2023 (that’s the 90-day window) but won’t hit Disney Plus until later in the year.
There are also Another Hiccup: Disney is tied to an ongoing deal between 20th Century Studios and HBO. The contract expires in 2022, but it’s unclear if Avatar: The Way of Water falls below. If so, the film could have a brief stint on HBO Max first before moving to Disney Plus. Disney hasn’t said anything about it.
In the meantime, there are plenty of ways to see the film in theaters – including the 4DX release. Check out our review then head to the space whales.
