Disney’s long-awaited sci-fi sequel Tron: Ares premiered this weekend at No. 1 at the domestic box office, racking up approximately $33.5 million in ticket sales. Though it led the chart, the figure falls short of the expectations tied to its massive scale and legacy. Set 15 years after Tron: Legacy, the film stars Jared Leto, Greta Lee, and Jeff Bridges, among others, and pushes its visual ambitions to bring digital realities into the physical world.
Despite strong aesthetic appeal and fan interest, the movie’s hefty estimated budget—reportedly around $180 million—casts doubt on its path to profitability based solely on its U.S. launch. Critics have applauded Ares for stunning visuals and ambitious design, but many also criticized its storytelling as shallow and overly reliant on nostalgia. With global grosses so far estimated near $60.5 million, the film faces an uphill climb to recoup costs and justify further franchise investment.
Still, for Disney and Tron fans alike, this is just the starting line. How Ares performs in coming weeks—and internationally—may define whether this revival is a spark or a fizzle.
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