Box Office Breakdown: ‘Tron’ Stumbles with $33.5M Opening Weekend, While ‘Roofman’ Rakes in $8M for Second Place

Disney’s latest film, Tron: Ares, stumbled out of the gate at the box office. It earned $33.5 million from 4,000 theaters in its domestic opening, falling short of predictions that ranged from $40 million to possibly $50 million. This setback raises concerns about the future of the Tron saga, which first captivated audiences over 40 years ago with its original film.

In international markets, the movie also struggled, bringing in only $27 million and totaling $60.5 million worldwide. This isn’t too surprising, as sci-fi often faces stiff competition abroad, particularly in markets like China, where Ares hasn’t yet premiered.

The Tron franchise has a troubled history; it took 33 years for the sequel, Tron: Legacy, to arrive, which earned $409.9 million globally upon its release in 2015. Ares spent a decade in development, thanks largely to the dedication of former Disney executive Sean Bailey, who continued to push the project forward.

Critics have given Ares mixed reviews—currently holding a 57% score on Rotten Tomatoes—while audiences have responded more favorably, with an 87% rating. This discrepancy suggests that while critics may not be impressed, viewers might find something worthwhile in the film. Interestingly, strong audience scores could help it recover in the coming weeks, especially since it faces little competition and still has access to premium screening formats that accounted for 67% of its opening weekend earnings.

Directed by Joachim Rønning, Ares stars Jared Leto as the titular character, with Greta Lee and Evan Peters in significant roles. The stakes are high, considering its hefty production budget of $180 million after tax breaks.

In contrast, the romantic heist film Roofman debuted with $8 million, matching expectations. Despite its modest budget of $19 million, it aimed to attract a different crowd from the action-heavy Tron. Reviews for Roofman are strong, with an 85% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating a positive reception among audiences.

Meanwhile, Soul of Fire, a faith-based film, opened to $3 million from 1,730 locations, garnering an A CinemaScore. It appeals to viewers in more traditional markets, highlighting a growing trend where faith-based films find success alongside more mainstream offerings.

In the realm of niche films, A24’s If I Had Legs I’d Kick You and Amazon’s After the Hunt are making waves in limited releases, showcasing high per-theater averages that indicate a loyal audience base.

As studios continue to experiment with genres and storytelling methods, consumer trends suggest a shift towards more diverse films, from mega-budget blockbusters to intimate stories. The success or failure of these films reveals the ever-changing landscape of cinema, where audience preferences can dramatically influence box office outcomes.

For more on evolving entertainment trends and box office insights, check out Variety or The Hollywood Reporter.

Source link

Channing Tatum,Jared Leto,Leonardo DiCaprio,One Battle After Another,Paul Thomas Anderson,Roofman,Sean Bailey,Tron: Ares