Jared Leto’s Tron Ares Box Office Flop Stuns Disney With $33 Million Opening

Disney’s new sci-fi sequel, Tron: Ares, has crashed at the box office. The film opened to a disastrous $33.2 million domestically this weekend. This figure falls dramatically short of studio projections. The premiere followed an elaborate global press tour headlined by its star, Jared Leto.

Tron Ares Box Office Flop Defies Projections

The performance is a major financial blow. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the film’s net production budget was at least $180 million. Its global opening totaled just $60.2 million.

This weak start makes recouping costs virtually impossible. The movie also earned a lackluster B+ CinemaScore from opening night audiences. Industry sources suggest the Tron franchise may now be retired from cinemas.

Why Did the Tron Ares Sequel Fail?

The film failed to connect with its core demographic. Studio pre-release tracking indicated a risk of low turnout. The key 18- to 24-year-old male audience largely stayed away.

This points to a deeper issue with the IP’s relevance. The previous film, 2010’s Tron: Legacy, was a modest success. It grossed $400 million worldwide. But that was over a decade ago, and the brand has since faded.

The disappointing Tron Ares box office performance signals a clear end for this franchise revival. Disney will now likely absorb a significant financial loss on the project.

Thought you’d like to know

How much did Tron: Ares cost to make?

The film’s net production budget was at least $180 million. This does not include the massive global marketing costs spent on promotion.

Will there be another Tron movie after this?

Industry sources consider it highly unlikely. The poor box office performance makes future sequels financially unviable for Disney.

How does this opening compare to Tron: Legacy?

*Tron: Legacy* opened to $44 million domestically in 2010. It went on to earn $400 million globally, making it a more successful venture.

What does this mean for Jared Leto’s career?

Insiders suggest it may limit his opportunities as a big-budget leading man. Studios are increasingly cautious with stars who cannot guarantee a strong opening.

Why did Disney greenlight this sequel?

The project was championed by former Disney executive Sean Bailey. Jared Leto also personally pushed for the film for years before it was approved.