Disney’s latest film, “Tron: Ares,” faced significant setbacks at the box office following its release. The film debuted to poor critical reviews, and its performance has continued to deteriorate. Directed by Joachim Rønning and featuring Jared Leto in the lead role, “Ares” has struggled to attract audiences.
Box Office Performance Declines
In its second weekend, “Ares” generated only $11.1 million in domestic ticket sales. This marks a dramatic 66% decline from its opening weekend total of $33.2 million. Internationally, the film fared poorly as well, earning just $14.1 million over the same period.
Budget and Financial Losses
Despite its high expectations, “Ares” has recorded a total of $103 million in global revenue after two weekends. The film, produced with a reported budget of $220 million, including an estimated $102 million in marketing costs, faces severe financial implications. If it ends its theatrical run below $160 million, Disney could incur losses exceeding $130 million.
- Domestic Earnings: $11.1 million (second weekend)
- Opening Weekend: $33.2 million
- International Earnings: $14.1 million
- Total Box Office (after two weekends): $103 million
- Reported Budget: $220 million
- Marketing Costs: Estimated $102 million
- Potential Losses: Up to $130 million
Franchise Challenges
The film’s concept revolves around an advanced AI, played by Leto, who makes a perilous journey from a digital realm into the real world. The cast also includes notable names like Greta Lee, Evan Peters, Jodie Turner-Smith, Cameron Monaghan, and Gillian Anderson. Jeff Bridges reprises his role as Flynn from the original “Tron.”
Unfortunately, the franchise’s reputation has suffered. “Tron: Legacy,” released in 2010, grossed around $400 million on its $170 million budget, which was considered a modest success. However, the lengthy gap between films has contributed to a diminished audience interest, and Disney appears to have misjudged the return of the franchise.
Actor’s Impact on Box Office
Jared Leto’s involvement has come under scrutiny. His track record at the box office has been disappointing, and he has not starred in a successful theatrical release since 2016’s “Suicide Squad.” The recent allegations against him may have further affected audience reception.
As Disney grapples with an uneven year, marked by both failures and successes like the billion-dollar “Lilo & Stitch,” the company must reconsider its approach to big-budget films. The challenges surrounding “Tron: Ares” underscore the need for strategic evaluation in future franchise developments. The film is currently available in theaters.
