Box Office Buzz: ‘Tron: Ares’ Struggles to Shine with $33.5 Million Opening Weekend

Disney’s new sci-fi film, “Tron: Ares,” had a rocky start at the box office, earning just $33.5 million from 4,000 theaters in North America. This number falls short of expectations and creates concern, given the movie’s hefty $180 million budget—not counting its significant marketing costs. Globally, it brought in $60 million, underwhelming for a franchise that is now five decades old.

“Tron: Ares” was predicted to debut with around $45-$50 million domestically, boosted by a “B+” rating on CinemaScore. However, it struggled to attract a wider audience beyond its core demographic of young men. In contrast, the previous film, “Tron: Legacy,” earned $44 million during its opening weekend in 2010.

David A. Gross, a film consultant, pointed out that while interest peaked initially, it stalled in the days leading up to the release. He noted, “The science fiction genre usually performs well internationally. The appeal is broad, featuring classic good vs. evil themes.” Despite this, the film’s narrative—centered on first contact with artificial intelligence—couldn’t amplify its reach.

Meanwhile, two other new releases—Channing Tatum’s “Roofman” and Jennifer Lopez’s “Kiss of the Spider Woman”—also struggled. “Roofman” earned only $8 million, which is low for a Tatum feature, but its lower production budget of $19 million means it’s less risky. The film about a soldier who escapes from prison can still find traction through positive word-of-mouth and strong reviews, holding an 85% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

“Kiss of the Spider Woman,” on the other hand, debuted with just $840,000, far below expectations. This film is a remake of the acclaimed 1985 movie, which grossed $17 million. The storyline follows a queer man in an Argentinian prison who escapes his grim reality through storytelling.

In the faith-based genre, “Soul on Fire” opened with $2.8 million, marking a solid debut thanks to its inspirational narrative and receiving an “A” grade on CinemaScore.

Overall, the box office was lackluster, with Leonardo DiCaprio’s “One Battle After Another” earning $6.8 million in its third weekend, a decline of 38%. To turn a profit, the film, which cost over $130 million, faces steep challenges.

In summary, this weekend’s releases showcase a tough market for films, where even star power and interesting stories aren’t enough to guarantee success. “Tron: Ares” and its fellow newcomers highlight the changing landscape of cinema, where audience preferences can shift rapidly. Current viewer trends show that engaging storylines and relatable characters are crucial in attracting larger audiences—a lesson that many of this weekend’s films may need to consider moving forward.

For more in-depth insights into film performance and audience reactions, check out Variety.

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