Chapter 633: Cameron and Lin Mo's Box-Office Showdown? Who Is the Greatest in Film History!
The global film world has exploded with the news that Avatar 2 has set its release date.
On Twitter, the topic #Avatar 2# instantly jumped to the top of the trending list, with views surpassing 300 million within two hours.
【Hollywood Reporter Flash】: Avatar: The Way of Water set for December 17! Can Cameron make history again?
Under this tweet, netizens from all countries have been arguing fiercely:
"Finally got you! I watched the first one seven times!"
"When Ka Shen acts, it's bound to be excellent! This time he'll definitely break Robots' record!"
"Come on, Lin Mo's record isn't that easy to break!"
"I'll bet five cents, he'll definitely break it! Cameron's years of preparation aren't for nothing!"
"A $4 billion record—how are you gonna break that with your head?"
"I believe in Ka Shen!!!"
"Just watch the showdown of the old and new box-office gods!!!"
"......"
Countless movie fans have even started discussing whether Cameron's Avatar 2 can break Lin Mo's box-office record!
If it were another director, these fans would surely not even think about these questions.
But this person is Cameron.
Especially since this is a sequel to Avatar, with the script and production taking seven or eight years.
Not only netizens, but many professional box-office analysis agencies have also jumped in.
For example, the world-renowned box-office statistics site Box. Office. Mojo immediately released a prediction report, believing Avatar 2's global box office could reach $4.1 billion, slightly higher than Robots' $4.063 billion.
Meanwhile, the authoritative agency The. Numbers took a conservative stance, predicting Avatar 2's final box office would be between $2 and $3 billion.
Soon, the media formed two clearly divided camps.
Zongyi Magazine Magazine Magazine Magazine Magazine published a long analysis, the headline blunt: "Why Cameron's new film cannot surpass Lin Mo." The article detailed the pros and cons of the two films: "Lin Mo's advantage lies in the universal value of his works, appealing to all ages, while Avatar 2's excessive runtime (reportedly over three hours)..."
Meanwhile, Hollywood Report published an opposing columnist's article: "Five Reasons Proving Cameron Will Regain the Throne," especially emphasizing: "The Avatar series offers an unparalleled immersive experience, something family animated films cannot compare to. The high ticket prices of IMAX and 3D versions will serve as a box-office booster..."
Entertainment Weekly specially created a feature: "Cameron vs. Lin Mo: Century Showdown," turning the two directors' career achievements into a comparison chart.
How many Oscars Cameron has won, beating Lin Mo.
Then again, Lin Mo's movie box office, how much it is, beating Cameron.
Of course, the liveliest thing is the global online poll launched by Hollywood Report: "Do you think Avatar 2 can break Robots' box-office record?" In just six hours, over two million people participated, with the yes and no sides deadlocked at 51% to 49%.
This nationwide discussion also reached the ears of the two parties involved.
Cameron, in a subsequent video interview with Good Morning Mi Guo, was directly asked this question by the host.
"James, the whole world is concerned: can Avatar 2 break Lin's record?" the host asked with a smile.
Cameron stroked his white beard and smiled: "Listen, box office is just numbers. I care more about whether the audience likes this story." He paused, a glint of mischief in his eyes, "But since you asked... I certainly hope to give that Lin kid some pressure!"
These remarks were immediately reported by all major media, with headlines more exaggerated than the last:
"Cameron Formally Issues a Challenge to Lin Mo!"
"The Battle for Box-Office King Heats Up!"
"Ka Shen: Give Lin Mo Some Pressure!"
And what is Lin Mo, at the center of the storm, doing?
Lin Mo, far across the Pacific, was in the garden teaching Nuan Nuan to recognize various insects.
"This is an ant, sweetheart." Lin Mo pointed to the busy little black dots on the ground, "They're very diligent, working every day."
Nuan Nuan opened her round, big eyes, her little face almost touching the ground, her gaze full of curiosity.
"They're carrying the breadcrumbs Dad just dropped back home." Lin Mo gently pulled his daughter back a bit, "But don't get too close, or the ants will bite."
Re Ba walked over with a tablet, laughing and crying: "Honey, the whole world is debating your box-office battle with Cameron, and you're here studying ants?"
Lin Mo didn't even look up: "Let them discuss." He pointed to another insect, "Nuan Nuan, look, this is a ladybug—count how many spots it has?"
Nuan Nuan earnestly raised her little fingers: "One, two... three!"
"So smart!" Lin Mo kissed his daughter.
Re Ba was about to speak when Lin Mo's phone suddenly rang.
He glanced at the caller ID, his expression turning strange: "... It's Cameron's call."
"You answer the phone, I'll hold Xiao Jiahuo~"
Re Ba took Xiao Jiahuo, her gossipy eyes too obvious.
Lin Mo picked up the phone and pressed the answer key: "James, aren't you asleep yet? It must be almost midnight in Mi Guo, right?"
From the other end came Cameron's hearty laugh: "Lin, have you seen those reports? I never said I wanted to compete with you on box office..."
"Come on." Lin Mo sat down. "Give that Lin kid some pressure? Isn't that your original line?"
Cameron laughed heartily: "I knew you'd see this—I'm really confident this time. The underwater capture technology of The Way of Water is the result of our five years of R&D, and the visual effects are absolutely..."
"Mr. James." Lin Mo smiled and interrupted him, "Are you making movies just to break records?"
The other end fell silent for a few seconds.
"Of course not." Cameron's voice turned serious: "But... well, I admit I do have a little desire to beat you. After all, you snatched the title of greatest in film history from my hands."
Lin Mo smiled: "If Avatar 2 truly surpasses Robots, I'll be the first to congratulate you."
"Lin, I'll remember what you said!" Cameron's voice brightened again, "Don't forget to bring the Little Princess to the premiere—I've prepared a little surprise for her."
After hanging up, Re Ba curiously asked: "What did Cameron say?"
Lin Mo handed the phone back to her: "He's just a big kid, insisting on competing with me on box office." He pinched Nuan Nuan's cheeks, "Come on, sweetheart, want to go see the fish? Dad bought you a new fish tank."
Nuan Nuan immediately cheered: "Fishy! Look at the fish!"
Re Ba watched the father and daughter walk toward the living room, shaking her head with a smile.
Discussions abroad are so heated.
Domestically, it goes without saying.
Don't be fooled by Cameron's fame—but in Huaguo, can anyone still outshine Lin Mo?
Netizens chimed in, saying Cameron's new film Avatar 2 definitely won't beat Robots, and some even doubt it can beat Nezha 2.
It's not just netizens—celebrities have also jumped in.
After all, the buzz around Avatar 2's upcoming release has been red-hot.
When Zhang Yimou, Feng Xiaogang, and others attend events and face reporters, they must firmly back Lin Mo.
Lao Mouzi, who has international influence and fame, speaks more tactfully, stressing that film is not just technique but also emotional resonance.
Feng Xiaogang, meanwhile, isn't scared at all, bluntly saying: "Cameron wants to break records? First ask if the 1.4 billion Huaguo audience agrees!"
End of Chapter
