The sci-fi epic debuted in 2009 and held the global box office number one title for a decade until it was overtaken by Marvel's Avengers: Endgame in 2019.

It was re-released in China, the world's biggest movie-watching market and now it's total sales pushed above the $2.8bn (£2bn) mark this weekend.

Disney owns both Avengers and Avatar films after the company bought entertainment assets from Fox in 2019.

 It also owns the Titanic movie, which is third on the list of highest-grossing movies.

"We are proud to reach this great milestone, but Jim (James Cameron) and I are most thrilled that the film is back in theatres during these unprecedented times, and we want to thank our Chinese fans for their support," said Avatar producer Jon Landau.

James Cameron, director of Avatar is currently working on four sequels to Avatar. The next film, which has been delayed several times, is currently scheduled for release in December 2022.