Movies
Fox: 'Avatar budget rumours ridiculous'
Published Tuesday, Nov 24 2009, 16:06 GMT | By Simon Reynolds
Speaking to Reuters in response to claims that the project cost $500 million to make, Gianopulos insisted that the figure, which surfaced in a New York Times article, is inaccurate.
"That's a ridiculous number," he said. "It has actually no relationship to the actual cost of the movie." However, he admitted that Avatar, James Cameron's first film since the record-breaking Titanic, was "quite expensive" to produce.
"There is no question about that. But viewed now, from the perspective of its completion and having seen it, it's a formidable work and money well spent," said Gianopulos, who heads up production on Fox's movie and TV output with Tom Rothman.
Asked if he believes that the sci-fi action film will turn a profit, he replied: "I have no doubt about that."
Avatar opens in cinemas worldwide on December 17.
Movie Reviews
Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom MenaceWe revisit George Lucas's much-maligned Star Wars prequel The Phantom Menace.
At the Movies
John Williams's top 10 movie scoresAs John Williams celebrates his 80th birthday, we take a look at his 10 best movie scores.
Movies Interviews
Daniel Radcliffe talks 'Woman in Black'The actor talks to Digital Spy about his first post-Potter outing.
Box Office Charts
'Chronicle' leads UK box officeSuperhero drama Chronicle leads the UK box office ahead of Journey 2.
