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Weekly International Movie & TV Show News Roundup (Jan 10 – Jan 16, 2026)

Another week, another massive haul at the global box office. If you've been anywhere near a cinema lately, you'll know that big-budget sequels are absolutely crushing it right now. From Pandora's fiery landscapes to animated animal antics, there's plenty to talk about this week. Let's dive into all the biggest movie and TV news from January 10–16, 2026.

Avatar: Fire and Ash Keeps Burning Up the Box Office

James Cameron's latest epic isn't slowing down anytime soon. Avatar: Fire and Ash dominated the global box office for the fourth straight week, pulling in an impressive $87 million over the past seven days. That brings its worldwide total to a staggering $1.23 billion.

To put that into perspective, the film has now officially become the 20th-highest-grossing movie of all time internationally. Not bad for a movie that's only been out for a month, right?

The sequel continues the story of Jake Sully and the Na'vi as they face new threats and explore previously unseen regions of Pandora. Audiences are clearly loving the stunning visuals and immersive world-building that Cameron is known for. The film has also been generating serious Golden Globe buzz, with critics praising both its technical achievements and emotional storytelling.

A stunning alien landscape inspired by Pandora from Avatar, featuring glowing mountains and volcanic scenery.

If you're a fan of the franchise, the good news is that Cameron has already confirmed more sequels are in the pipeline. Pandora isn't going anywhere, and neither is our obsession with those beautiful blue aliens.

Zootopia 2 Crosses $1.65 Billion Worldwide

Disney's animated sequel Zootopia 2 continues to show remarkable staying power at the box office. The film has now crossed the $1.65 billion mark globally, proving that audiences of all ages still can't get enough of Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde.

The original Zootopia was a massive hit back in 2016, and the sequel has managed to capture that same magic. With its clever humour, heartfelt messages, and stunning animation, it's no wonder families keep coming back for more.

Zootopia 2 has also been picking up Golden Globe attention, with many predicting it could take home some hardware in the animated categories. Whether you're team Judy or team Nick, there's no denying this film has been one of the biggest success stories of the past few months.

Zoe Saldaña Makes Box Office History

Here's a headline we didn't see coming, but absolutely love: Zoe Saldaña has officially overtaken Scarlett Johansson as the highest-grossing movie star of all time.

Saldaña's films have now earned a combined total of $16.86 billion at the global box office. That's billion with a B. Her incredible run includes major roles in the Avatar franchise, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (as Gamora in the Guardians of the Galaxy films), and the Star Trek reboot series.

Stylized portrait of Zoe Saldaña surrounded by cosmic motifs, highlighting her record-breaking box office success.

It's a well-deserved achievement for an actor who has consistently delivered memorable performances in some of the biggest blockbusters of the past two decades. With Avatar: Fire and Ash still raking in cash, that number is only going to climb higher.

UK Box Office: The Housemaid Takes the Top Spot

Over in the UK, there's been a bit of a shake-up at the box office. The Housemaid has climbed to the number one spot, edging out the period drama Hamnet in the local charts.

The Housemaid, based on the bestselling thriller novel, has been generating serious buzz since its release. The film's tense atmosphere and jaw-dropping twists have made it a must-see for thriller fans. And if you've already seen it, you'll be excited to know that sequel talks are already happening. The hype is real.

Meanwhile, new horror release Primate earned $11 million globally in its opening week. While not a record-breaking debut, horror fans seem to be responding well to the film's creepy premise and effective scares. If you're looking for something to give you nightmares this January, Primate might be your ticket.

What's Coming Next: 28 Years Later Builds Anticipation

While Avatar continues its reign, there's a challenger on the horizon that could shake things up. 28 Years Later: Bone Temple, the long-awaited sequel to the classic zombie franchise, is building serious anticipation ahead of its release.

Apocalyptic horror city overtaken by nature, referencing the anticipation for 28 Years Later: Bone Temple.

Early buzz suggests the film could be the first real threat to Avatar's box office dominance. Director Danny Boyle is returning to the franchise he helped create, and fans are eager to see what new horrors await in this post-apocalyptic world. If the trailers are anything to go by, we're in for a wild ride.

Keep your eyes on this one. It could be the next big thing.

Industry News: Netflix and Sony Expand Global Partnership

In streaming news, Netflix and Sony Pictures Entertainment announced a major expansion of their global film partnership this week. Under the new multi-year deal, Netflix has acquired exclusive rights to screen Sony films worldwide after their theatrical and video-on-demand releases.

Netflix already held similar rights in the US, Germany, and Southeast Asia, but this new agreement expands the partnership to cover the entire globe. While the financial terms weren't disclosed, it's a significant move that strengthens Netflix's position in the ongoing streaming wars.

For viewers, this means easier access to Sony's impressive catalogue of films, from blockbuster franchises to indie gems. It's a win-win for everyone who loves watching movies from their couch.

Box Office Revenue Up 23% Year-Over-Year

Here's some good news for the film industry: box office revenue is up 23% compared to January 2025. After a few rocky years, Hollywood optimism is returning thanks to strong performances from franchise films and highly anticipated sequels.

Avatar: Fire and Ash and Zootopia 2 have been leading the charge, but there's plenty more on the horizon to keep audiences coming back to cinemas. With 28 Years Later, more Marvel releases, and several other blockbusters scheduled for 2026, it looks like the movies are well and truly back.

Classic movie theater at night with marquee lights and film reels, celebrating a vibrant cinema revival in 2026.

Rep Your Favourite Films with Rock Universe

Feeling inspired by all this movie talk? If you're the type of fan who likes to wear your love for your favourite films on your sleeve (literally), we've got you covered.

At Rock Universe, we stock a huge range of official movie and TV merchandise, including t-shirts, hoodies, and accessories featuring your favourite franchises. Whether you're an Avatar superfan, a Marvel devotee, or a horror movie buff, there's something in our collection for you.

Check out our latest drops at rockuinverse.co.uk and find the perfect way to rep your favourite films and shows. Because being a fan is always in style.

The Week Ahead

That's a wrap on this week's international movie and TV news roundup. With Avatar continuing its dominance, Zootopia 2 showing impressive legs, and exciting releases on the horizon, 2026 is shaping up to be a fantastic year for film fans.

Stay tuned for next week's roundup, where we'll cover all the latest box office numbers, casting news, and industry updates. Until then, grab some popcorn, pick a movie, and enjoy the show.

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