Recent reports suggest significant challenges for the Tron franchise following the release of “Tron: Ares.” According to sources, Disney is contemplating a permanent hiatus for the series due to disappointing box office figures.
Box Office Performance of “Tron: Ares”
“Tron: Ares” debuted with a domestic opening of approximately $33.2 million. By its second week, the film grossed around $60.2 million worldwide. This performance is underwhelming when compared to other recent releases, including Jared Leto’s earlier project, “Morbius,” which opened at $39 million in 2022 and totaled $167 million globally.
The Future of the Tron Franchise
The future of the Tron franchise now appears uncertain. Insider reports indicate that Disney may “likely retire from the big screen” with the series. Historically, Tron has struggled at the box office, evidenced by a lengthy gap of 28 years between the original and the 2010 sequel, “Tron: Legacy.” Despite earning $400 million worldwide, the franchise did not see immediate follow-up projects.
Development Timeline
- October 2010: Disney began developing a new Tron film.
- 2015: The project was officially greenlit but was ultimately shelved.
- 2017: Jared Leto became involved, pushing for the Ares character to take center stage.
- 2023: “Tron: Ares” finally reached theaters, amidst mixed reviews.
Jared Leto’s Involvement
Jared Leto played a significant role in bringing “Tron: Ares” to life. Though his work may not single-handedly account for its lack of success, it highlights the broader issues facing the franchise. Following this, Leto will shift his focus to other projects, including his role as Skeletor in the “Masters of the Universe” film.
Potential for Future Reboots
While the franchise seems to be on the path toward discontinuation, there is a possibility of revival in the future. The iconic nature of the Tron universe could attract new creative visions, potentially leading to a reboot within the next decade or two.
In conclusion, “Tron: Ares” may mark a significant turning point for the franchise. Its box office struggles and critical reception raise questions about whether it will ever return to the big screen. However, the story of Tron might not be over just yet, leaving room for future iterations down the line.
