Disney’s highly anticipated sci-fi film, “Tron: Ares,” is set to make a strong debut this weekend. The film is projected to earn between $45 million and $50 million across approximately 4,000 theaters in North America. This opening performance mirrors that of “Tron: Legacy,” which debuted with $44 million in 2010.
About “Tron: Ares”
Released nearly four decades after the original “Tron,” the new installment aims to revitalize the franchise. The original film, released in 1982, started with a modest $4.7 million. It later amassed a cult following, grossing just $50 million worldwide against a $17 million budget. Its sequel, “Tron: Legacy,” performed better, earning $400 million globally on a budget of $170 million. Notably, “Tron: Ares” has a higher production cost of approximately $180 million.
Directed by Joachim Rønning, known for his work on the “Pirates of the Caribbean” series, “Tron: Ares” explores humanity’s first contact with artificial intelligence. The film features returning star Jeff Bridges as Kevin Flynn, alongside new cast members Jared Leto, Greta Lee, and Evan Peters.
Box Office Projections
- Domestic Opening: $45 million to $50 million
- International Earnings: $40 million to $45 million
- Total Global Projection: $85 million to $95 million
Despite its visual acclaim—”Tron” was one of the pioneers in CGI—the franchise has struggled commercially throughout its history. “Tron: Ares” hopes to change that narrative as it takes to the box office.
Competing Releases
This weekend features other new releases, although they are unlikely to match “Tron: Ares” in box office performance.
- “Roofman” (Directed by Derek Cianfrance)
- Estimated Earnings: $8 million to $12 million
- Starring: Channing Tatum and Kirsten Dunst
- Plot: The film follows a former soldier and thief who escapes to a Toys “R” Us.
- Budget: $17 million
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 81%
- “Kiss of the Spider Woman” (Directed by Bill Condon)
- Estimated Earnings: $1.5 million to $3 million
- Plot: Set mostly in an Argentinian prison, it follows a queer character who tells vivid stories.
- Budget: high $30 million range
- Previous Film Gross: $17 million from the 1985 version
As “Tron: Ares” aims for a strong opening, industry experts will be closely watching its performance in direct comparison to both its predecessors and new competitors in the box office landscape.
