Currently, Avatar holds the record at $2.8 billion and to eclipse that number will require a huge blockbuster bruiser. Stars Wars: Episode VII is now in the works. The cast has been set (with the original three: Hamill, Ford, and Fisher confirmed, as well as, Chewbacca, R2D2 and C3PO, and even an appearance by the late Alec Guinness as Obi-Wan Kenobi - through the miracle of digital restructuring) and filming locations, for the most part, have been determined. So, will a mix of the old and new be the magic that grosses a $3 billion gate for Disney?
With the growth of the cinema in China, Russia, and other countries the once unattainable may now be a possibility and a $3 billion gate may be reached. Besides being a great movie, it must be coupled with massive hype - which Disney has already started. VII will have record promotion and media hype that will build to a crescendo as it nears its release date. But to reach $3 billion will take more than a great global opening, it will take 'staying power', the movie will have to play in cinemas for weeks with fans going back for second and third viewings - it has to be that good!
Not only the actors (old and new cast members) but the visual effects must be spectacular and the sound immersive. It must also set the stage and trail-blaze for installments VIII and IX which are already on the drawing board.
I think $3 billion is very attainable for Star Wars-VII and don't forget that an Avatar Two, which is also in the works, could easily break the record as well.
Best,
Jim
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