Avatar's $2 billion vanishing act

It was the highest grossing film in history. but for years it was mainly remembered for being forgotten, failing utterly to make its mark on pop culture, writes Jamie Lauren Keiles

Avatar: The Way Of Water is the first in a series of four long-delayed sequels that will transform Avatar into a franchise. 

First it was said that James Cameron was no match for reality. In late 2009, before Avatar came out, sceptics warned that the visual-effects behemoth would never recoup its unearthly budget, estimated to be upward of $237 million. 

In just over two weeks, it grossed $1 billion, quieting doubters, at least temporarily. After that, the story reversed: Reality was no match for Avatar.