Opening 12 years, almost to the day, after his behemoth film “Titanic,” James Cameron’s 3D sci-fi spectacle “Avatar” drew a strong $27 million in its first day at the box office from 3,452 theaters.

First day for “Avatar” is the highest for a Twentieth Century Fox release opening outside the summer frame. Previous champ was 2006’s “Ice Age: The Meltdown” which took in $21.8 million.

Among all Friday December openings, “Avatar” ranks behind Will Smith’s 2007 sci-fi tentpole “I Am Legend” which grossed $30.1 million. 2003’s “Lord of the Rings: Return of the King” continues to own the all-time opening day record in December with $34.5 million, however, that film unspooled on a Wednesday.

It’s quite possible that the east coast winter storms cut into the opening day figure for “Avatar.” However, much like Cameron’s “Titanic,” “Avatar” is bound to sprout a fantastic set of legs based on word of mouth — a huge asset heading into the Christmas holiday, which falls on Friday. Immediately evident: the exit polls for “Avatar,” both stateside and abroad, have been truly fantastic.