Entertainment

‘Avatar’ marks 6 straight weeks at No. 1, crosses $2 billion

Published

2 years ago

January 23, 2023

NEW YORK (AP) — James Cameron’s “Avatar: The Way of Water” led ticket sales in movie theaters for the sixth straight weekend, making it the first film to have such a sustained reign atop the box office since 2009′s “Avatar.”

The Walt Disney Co.’s “The Way of Water” added $19.7 million in U.S. and Canadian theaters over the weekend, according to studio estimates Sunday. Its global total has now surpassed $2 billion, putting it sixth all-time and just ahead of “Spider-Man: No Way Home.” Domestically, “The Way of Water” is up to $598 million. Continued robust international sales ($56.3 million for the weekend) has helped push the “Avatar” sequel to $2.024 billion worldwide.

A year ago, “Spider-Man: No Way Home” also topped the box office for six weekends, but did it over the course of seven weeks. You have to go back to Cameron’s original “Avatar” to find a movie that stayed No. 1 for such a long span. (“Avatar” ultimately topped out at seven weeks.) Before that, the only film in the past 25 years to manage the feat was another Cameron film; “Titanic” (1997) went undefeated for 15 weeks.

“The Way of Water” has now reached a target that Cameron himself set for the very expensive sequel. Ahead of its release, Cameron said becoming “the third or fourth highest-grossing film in history” was “your break even.”

The box-office domination for “The Way of Water” has been aided, in part, by a dearth of formidable challengers. The only new wide release from a major studio on the weekend was the thriller “Missing,” from Sony’s Screen Gems and Stage 6 Films. A low-budget sequel to 2018′s “Searching,” starring Storm Reid as a teenager seeking her missing mother, “Missing” plays out across computer screens. The film, budgeted at $7 million, debuted with $9.3 million.

January is typically a slow period in theaters, but a handful of strong-performing holdovers have helped prop up sales.

Though it didn’t open hugely in December, Universal Pictures’ “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” has had long legs as one of the only family options in theaters over the last month. In its fifth week, it came in second place with $11.5 million domestically and $17.8 million overseas. The “Puss in Boots” sequel has grossed $297.5 million globally.

The creepy doll horror hit “M3gan,” also from Universal, has likewise continued to pull in moviegoers. It notched $9.8 million in its third week, bringing its domestic haul to $73.3 million.

And while the popularity of horror titles in theaters is nothing new, Sony Pictures’ “A Man Called Otto,” starring Tom Hanks, has flourished in a marketplace that’s been trying for adult-oriented dramas. The film, a remake of the Swedish film “A Man Called Ove,” about a retired man whose suicide plans are continually foiled by his neighbors, made $9 million in its second week of wide release. It’s taken in $35.3 million domestically through Sunday.

Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Comscore. Final domestic figures will be released Monday.

1. “Avatar: The Way of Water,” $19.7 million.

2. “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish,” $11.5 million.

3. “M3gan,” $9.8 million

4. “Missing,” $9.3 million.

5. “A Man Called Otto,” $9 million.

6. “Plane,” $5.3 million.

7. “House Party,” $1.8 million.

8. “That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime The Movie,” $1.5 million.

9. “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” $1.4 million.

10. “The Whale,” $1.3 million.

Entertainment

Florida National News Looks Back at Music Diva Lillie McCloud

Published

1 week ago

January 5, 2025

Willie David

Music Diva Lillie McCloud attends Festival Speed Luxutry Lifestyle Automotive Event. Florida National News photo

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Lillie McCloud, the celebrated vocalist who captured hearts on the hit reality TV show The X Factor, has been mesmerizing audiences worldwide with her extraordinary talent and magnetic stage presence. A true artist at her core, McCloud’s remarkable musical journey continues to inspire and enchant fans across generations.

Lillie McCloud celebrated her 66th birthday on December 7, 2024. The acclaimed singer, who gained national recognition as a contestant on Season 3 of Fox’s The X Factor, was praised by the show’s judges as a “music diva” with a voice often compared to the legendary Whitney Houston.

Music Diva Lillie McCloud. Florida National News Photo

Career Highlights
McCloud, a dancer and R&B sensation, made waves in 1986 with her international hit single, “Don’t You Want My Love.” The song soared to the top ten on charts in the U.S., Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, France, and Sweden. Before adopting the stage name Lillie McCloud, she performed and released music under the pseudonym Nicole McCloud.

Her discography boasts several notable albums, including What About Me, Jam Packed, and So What?

Music Diva Lillie McCloud. Florida National News Photo

Personal Life
Born and raised in Rochester, New York, McCloud has lived in Orlando, Florida. Her creativity extends beyond music—she collaborates with merchandise designer Cameron Furniss on cross-brand advertising initiatives.

Music Diva Lillie McCloud. Florida National News Photo

Legacy and Impact
As a contestant on The X Factor, McCloud mesmerized audiences and the judging panel, including Simon Cowell, with her powerhouse vocals and dynamic performances. Her contributions to music and her unmatched vocal range have cemented her legacy as a true diva in the industry.

Music Diva Lillie McCloud. Florida National News Photo

___________________________________________________________________________

J Willie David, III
Florida National News and FNN News Network
news@FloridaNationalNews.com

Entertainment

Puerto Rican Heritage Network Issues Statement on Florida Puerto Rican Parade 2025 Theme and the City of Aguadilla dedication

Published

1 week ago

January 2, 2025

FNN NEWS

The Honorable Daisy Morales meets with local law enforcement ahead of the annual Florida Puerto Rican Parade in Orlando. Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News

ORLANDO, Fla. – Former Florida State Representative Daisy Morales, now serving as President & CEO of the Puerto Rican Heritage Network, issued the following statement regarding the 2025 Florida Puerto Rican Parade’s theme and dedication:

Puerto Rican Heritage Network President Daisy Morales meets parade attendees during Puerto Rican Parade. FNN News Photo

“The annual Florida Puerto Rican Parade and Festival in Orlando continues to spotlight the vibrant history and culture of Puerto Rico while celebrating the invaluable contributions of Puerto Ricans to the mainland, particularly here in Central Florida,” said Daisy Morales, President & CEO of the Puerto Rican Heritage Network.

“This year’s theme, Renewable Energy and the Environment, is especially relevant as our state and nation face the devastating impacts of the climate crisis. As someone who proudly served as an Orange County Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor for six years, I commend the Parade for bringing much-needed attention to sustainability and environmental issues within the Hispanic community. This focus is a step in the right direction,” Morales added.

“It is also a profound honor to dedicate this year’s Parade to the City of Aguadilla, affectionately known as the City of Enchantments in Puerto Rico. This recognition celebrates its cultural significance and rich history. We eagerly anticipate the Parade, Festival, and the events connected to this incredible celebration,” Morales concluded.

About the Puerto Rican Heritage Network

The Puerto Rican Heritage Network, established in 2023, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to advancing Puerto Rican heritage. Through educational programs, cultural events, and leadership initiatives, the organization fosters pride, awareness, and community engagement in Florida, across the US and Puerto Rico.

Entertainment

The Rise of Streaming Giants: What’s Next for Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime in 2025?

Published

1 week ago

January 2, 2025

Kareen Kennedy

Source: App Economy Insights

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – The streaming landscape has seen massive growth in recent years, with Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime leading the charge. However, as we look ahead to 2025, the question is: What’s next for these major players?

Netflix: A Shift Toward Interactive and Global Content –Netflix has long been at the forefront of the streaming revolution. In 2025, the platform is betting heavily on interactive storytelling, following the success of Bandersnatch and other interactive films. Expect more immersive experiences where viewers can influence the plot. Additionally, Netflix’s global strategy is expanding, with major investments in non-English language content. International hits like Squid Game proved there’s a huge global market for Netflix’s diverse slate, and they plan to double down on this approach.

Disney+: Expanding the Magic –Disney+ continues to dominate with its rich library of Disney classics, Pixar films, and the ever-growing Marvel and Star Wars franchises. 2025 will see even more original content from these beloved universes. From new Star Wars series to Marvel spin-offs, Disney+ is set to keep fans on the edge of their seats. And with its focus on exclusive films and family-friendly content, it remains a strong competitor. Additionally, Disney’s other platforms like ESPN+ will push its brand even further with live sports coverage, offering something for every kind of viewer.

Amazon Prime Video: The New Contender – While Amazon Prime Video may not have started as strong as its competitors, it has quickly found its footing with critically acclaimed original series like The Boys and The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. Moving into 2025, Amazon is putting a bigger emphasis on securing exclusive deals with top filmmakers, including high-budget series and films. Additionally, the inclusion of live sports like NFL games is setting Amazon apart as a serious player in the streaming world, giving it an edge over its competitors.

The streaming race is far from over. With these industry giants continually innovating, we’re bound to see even more exciting changes in the coming year.

___________________________________________________________________________

Kareen Kennedy is the Assistant Editor for Florida National News
kareen.kennedy@floridanationalnews.com