The latest installment in the Disney franchise, “Tron: Ares,” hit theaters this weekend, earning approximately $35 million in its opening. Directed by Joachim Rønning, the film arrived 15 years after “Tron: Legacy,” which debuted with a more impressive $44 million in 2010. Despite the nostalgia surrounding the original “Tron” from 1982, audiences showed mixed reactions to this sequel.
Weekend Box Office Overview
There were notable achievements and disappointments at the box office this weekend. “Tron: Ares” is part of a long-standing franchise that has seen varied financial success. Here are the key figures from the weekend:
| Film Title | Weekend Gross | Total Gross |
|---|---|---|
| Tron: Ares | $35 million | $35 million |
| Roofman | $8 million | $8 million |
| One Battle After Another | $6.6 million | $54.5 million |
| Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie | $3.3 million | $26.4 million |
| The Conjuring: Last Rites | $2.9 million | $172.4 million |
Franchise Performance and Budget
“Tron: Ares” had a budget of $180 million, marking a significant financial requirement compared to its predecessors. The film’s opening weekend performance ranks 33rd for October releases, with historical comparisons showing it performed lower than initial expectations, even behind “Morbius,” which opened at $39 million.
- Comparison with “Tron: Legacy”: $44 million opening, $172 million domestic total.
- Mixed reviews for “Ares” give it a 56% rating, slightly higher than the 51% for the previous film.
- Overall, the franchise’s previous films have been considered financial disappointments despite nostalgia and cult status.
Other Weekend Highlights
In related news, “Roofman” opened in second place, bringing in $8 million, while the true-life crime thriller “One Battle After Another” continues to draw audiences, adding $6.6 million to its total. Family film “Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie” amassed $3.3 million, totaling $26.4 million to date.
Despite its lackluster debut, the continuing popularity of the “Tron” series and the nostalgia factor suggest a possible audience retention in the long run. However, it appears that “Tron: Ares” may struggle to reach the financial heights of its predecessors.
