The latest installment in the Tron franchise, Tron: Ares, has stumbled at the box office, raising questions about its future.
Is the Tron Franchise Running Out of Power?
Posted just minutes ago, the box office report reveals that Tron: Ares had a disappointing opening weekend, grossing only $33.5 million. This is a far cry from the initial predictions of a $40 million debut, and a significant underperformance for a movie with a production budget of $150 million or more. But here's where it gets controversial—is this the final nail in the coffin for the Tron franchise?
The original Tron (1982) was a box office disappointment, and even the 2010 sequel, Tron: Legacy, despite earning $170 million domestically, barely broke even due to its massive budget and high expectations. It seems the franchise has always struggled to meet the studio's ambitious goals.
However, there's a glimmer of hope for Tron: Ares. With a strong international performance, it might still break even, and it's likely to find success on Disney's streaming platform. But the days of big-screen Tron adventures may be numbered. The Grid might be better suited for a streaming series rather than a blockbuster film.
One factor in the film's underperformance could be the casting of Jared Leto, whose box office track record is mixed, with his recent Morbius being a notable flop. Leto's polarizing nature might have deterred audiences, but his performance in Tron: Ares has received some praise.
In other box office news, Roofman took second place with $8 million, a respectable result considering its $19 million budget. It's earning positive word-of-mouth, which could lead to a solid run. Meanwhile, One Battle After Another continues its steady performance, dropping just 39% this weekend and reaching a domestic total of $54 million. Despite this, the film's profitability remains uncertain.
Gabby's Dollhouse and Soul on Fire rounded out the top five, while The Conjuring: Last Rites and Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle continue to impress with their impressive box office hauls. On the flip side, The Rock's The Smashing Machine experienced a massive drop in its second week, indicating a disappointing box office run. The Strangers: Chapter 2 and Good Boy are also wrapping up their modest theatrical releases.
So, what's your take on the Tron franchise's future? Do you think it still has a chance to thrive, or is it time to pull the plug? And what are your thoughts on Jared Leto's box office appeal? Let us know in the comments below!
Box Office Breakdown:
- Tron: Ares - $33.5 million
- Roofman - $8 million
- One Battle After Another - $6.67 million ($54.5 million total)
- Gabby's Dollhouse - $3.35 million ($26.4 million total)
- Soul on Fire - $3 million
- The Conjuring: Last Rites - $2.935 million ($172.44 million total)
- Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle - $2.25 million ($128.6 million total)
- The Smashing Machine - $1.79 million ($9.8 million total)
- The Strangers: Chapter 2 - $1.55 million ($13.49 million total)
- Good Boy - $1.36 million ($4.86 million total)
