Tron: Ares’ Tops Box Office but Struggles to Meet Expectations in $33.5 Million Debut

Published: October 13, 2025, 20:45 EDT

Sci-Fi Sequel Leads the Weekend but Falls Short of Box Office Hopes

Disney’s latest sci-fi adventure, Tron: Ares, powered into first place at the box office this weekend, but its $33.5 million debut fell below expectations. The film, starring Jared Leto, Greta Lee, and Jeff Bridges, continues the studio’s decades-old digital universe saga — yet it struggled to energize audiences despite strong brand recognition and favorable reviews.

A High-Budget Return with Mixed Results

The third installment in the Tron franchise cost around $150 million to produce, according to Comscore estimates released Sunday. Fifteen years after Tron: Legacy launched with $44 million and earned more than $400 million worldwide, Tron: Ares faced a steeper climb to profitability.

The new film explores a rivalry between two powerful tech corporations, Emcom and Dillinger, both racing to overcome an artificial intelligence barrier. Their battle unfolds through laser-based 3D printing technology capable of creating temporary physical forms — each lasting just 29 minutes before disintegrating into ash.

Critical Praise Can’t Overcome Franchise Fatigue

Although Tron: Ares drew positive reviews, including a three-star rating from the Associated Press, it couldn’t replicate the buzz or turnout of recent sci-fi hits. The film opened across more than 4,000 theaters nationwide, but attendance lagged behind early projections.

“It’s been tough for that franchise to gain traction for it to become a big mega franchise,” said Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst at Comscore. He noted that the original 1982 Tron struggled at first before developing a cult following that sustained the series for decades.

Dergarabedian added that international box office results could play a decisive role in determining whether Ares ultimately turns a profit. “It still topped the box office,” he said. “It picked a solid release date. All eyes are on a big Disney film that’s part of a long-standing brand.”

Other New Releases Struggle to Connect

The weekend’s other debuts failed to make a major impact. Roofman, a blue-collar dramedy starring Channing Tatum and Kirsten Dunst, opened in second place with a modest $8 million.

Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another took third with $6.6 million, while Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie — a Netflix and DreamWorks family release based on the hit preschool series — continued its steady run in fourth place with $3.3 million.

Faith-based drama Soul on Fire, inspired by burn survivor and motivational speaker John O’Leary, earned $3 million to claim fifth place. The film features performances from Joel Courtney, William H. Macy, and John Corbett.

Ongoing Strength for Established Franchises and Anime Titles

Warner Bros.’ The Conjuring: Last Rites followed in sixth with $2.9 million, marking another steady entry in the long-running horror series. Meanwhile, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle maintained its strong anime presence with $2.2 million domestically, reflecting continued international interest in the Japanese franchise.

Rounding out the top 10 were The Smashing Machine ($1.7 million), The Strangers: Chapter 2 ($1.5 million), and Good Boy ($1.3 million).

October Marks a Slowdown After a Strong Summer

Industry analysts describe October as a “bridge month” between the busy summer and upcoming holiday seasons. While blockbuster turnout typically dips, the period offers space for mid-budget dramas and awards contenders to find audiences.

“After some strong weekends in September, the market is cooling,” Dergarabedian said. “But for moviegoers interested in indie, art house, and awards-season films, this is a great time to explore what’s on the big screen.”

Upcoming releases such as After the Hunt, set to premiere on October 17, could help revive box office momentum heading into the final quarter of the year.

Top 10 Movies by Domestic Box Office (October 10–12)

1. Tron: Ares — $33.5 million

2. Roofman — $8 million

3. One Battle After Another — $6.6 million

4. Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie — $3.3 million

5. Soul on Fire — $3 million

6. The Conjuring: Last Rites — $2.9 million

7. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle — $2.2 million

8. The Smashing Machine — $1.7 million

9. The Strangers: Chapter 2 — $1.5 million

10. Good Boy — $1.3 million

(Final box office figures to be released Monday by Comscore.)