Avatar: Fire and Ash has had its first few screenings for press on Monday, and the early reaction suggests James Cameron can celebrate yet another billion dollar box office mega hit.

While official critics reviews for Fire and Ash are embargoed till closer to the film’s Dec. 19 release date, 20th Century Studios allowed press to release social media reaction to screenings this week.

The third installment in Cameron’s groundbreaking Avatar series, sees the action return to Pandora after the events of 2022’s Avatar: The Way of Water, and introduces the “Ash” people, fire-themed Na’vi clan. Fire and Ash stars Avatar regulars Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, Stephen Lang, Sigourney Weaver, Joel David Moore, CCH Pounder and Giovanni Ribisi. The Way of Water‘s Kate Winslet and Cliff Curtis reprise their roles.

The major new additions to the cast are Oona Chaplin, who plays Varang, the Na’vi leader of the volcano-dwelling Mangkwan clan and David Thewlis, who plays Peylak, the Na’vi leader of the Wind Traders.

Given the Cameron’s pedigree, and Avatar‘s unique place in pop culture, Fire and Ash‘s box office prospects look good, but the film will still need to perform heroics to keep up with the hauls of the first two chapters. 2009’s Avatar, the film that ushered in the 3D film craze, made over $2.9 billion at the global box office, not adjusted for inflation. The film still holds the title of the highest grossing movie in history. 2022’s The Way of Water scored an incredible $2.34 billion worldwide, a figure all the more remarkable as the theatrical industry was still reeling from a post-COVID slump.

The third film is set to be followed by Avatar 4 in 2029 and Avatar 5 in 2031.

See a selection of social media reaction to Avatar: Fire and Ash below.