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 taking part in in every thing from from 3D IMAX to common 2D and has develop into a theatrical attraction, having on the time of writing made near $500 million globally. However should you’re ready to observe this extremely lengthy film from the consolation of your personal sofa (the place you possibly can press pause when it is advisable use the lavatory), how lengthy will it’s important to wait?
Disney hasn’t but introduced when Avatar: The Manner of Water might be accessible to stream. For Marvel Cinematic Universe films, 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 may 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, as an example, and we nonetheless don’t have a streaming date for Black Panther: Wakanda Endlessly.
Not all Disney-produced films 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 nicely at field workplace. Judging by Avatar: The Manner of Water’s smashing success, that doesn’t appear to be the film’s consequence. In reality, Disney will in all probability wish to hold the film in theaters for so long as attainable. 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 nicely into 2023.
There’s additionally the chance that the film finally ends up accessible to hire or obtain, with a streaming possibility not being accessible till later. Such was the case with Prime Gun: Maverick, which gained’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 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, but it surely’s unclear if Avatar: The Manner of Water falls beneath it. If that’s the case, the film may need a quick stint on HBO Max first earlier than transferring onto Disney Plus. Disney has not stated 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 assessment after which geek out over the area whales.