Avatar: The Method of Water is already making field workplace waves (ha). The long-awaited sequel to James Cameron’s 2009 sci-fi blockbuster, The Method of Water is taking part in in all the things 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 might want to use the lavatory), how lengthy will you need to wait?
Disney hasn’t but introduced when Avatar: The Method of Water will likely 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 Method of Water follows that pipeline, the earliest it may possibly arrive on the platform is Jan. 30. Nevertheless, 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 Without end.
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 often reserved for movies that aren’t performing effectively at field workplace. Judging by Avatar: The Method of Water’s smashing success, that doesn’t appear to be the film’s end result. In actual fact, Disney will most likely need to preserve the film in theaters for so long as doable. The unique film stayed in theaters for 234 days, in any case. Whereas it’s unlikely that Disney will wait that lengthy to launch the sequel on Disney Plus, The Method of Water won’t hit streaming till effectively into 2023.
There’s additionally the chance that the film finally ends up accessible to lease or obtain, with a streaming possibility not being accessible till later. Such was the case with High Gun: Maverick, which received’t hit Paramount Plus until seven months after its debut (Dec. 22), regardless of being accessible to lease in August. If that’s the case, Avatar: The Method of Water may very well be accessible to lease or buy round March 2023 (that’s the 90-day window), however not hit Disney Plus until additional into the yr.
There’s additionally one other hiccup: Disney is beholden to a lingering contract between twentieth Century Studios and HBO. The contract expires in 2022, nevertheless it’s unclear if Avatar: The Method of Water falls beneath it. In that case, the film may need a short stint on HBO Max first earlier than transferring 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. Try our overview after which geek out over the house whales.
