TRON ARES Aims for a Big Box Office Launch Despite Mixed Early Reviews
The Tron franchise is getting ready to light up the grid again as Tron: Ares heads into its opening weekend, and despite some mixed reviews, it looks like the film is set to score a strong debut at the box office.
According to Variety, Disney’s sci-fi sequel is tracking for an opening between $45 million and $50 million in North America, with international markets expected to bring in another $40 million to $45 million. That could push its global debut close to $95 million, putting it right in line with Tron: Legacy’s 2010 opening of $44 million.
Directed by Joachim Rønning, Tron: Ares explores humanity’s first contact with artificial intelligence when a digital program crosses over into the real world. It’s a bold concept that leans heavily into the themes that have defined the series since the original Tron hit theaters back in 1982.
That film pulled in $50 million worldwide against a modest $17 million budget, while the new sequel reportedly cost around $180 million, making it the most expensive entry in the franchise yet.
Early reviews have been divided. Tron: Ares currently holds a 53% Rotten Tomatoes score based on 97 critic reviews, but audience tracking tells a different story, suggesting that moviegoers are far more eager to dive back into the digital frontier than critics might expect.
While the reviews are mixed, I actually thought the movie was a blast! I enjoyed the hell out of it! Maybe some critics just don’t know how to have fun at the movies anymore.
The film stars Jared Leto as Ares, joined by Greta Lee, Evan Peters, Hasan Minhaj, Jodie Turner-Smith, Arturo Castro, Cameron Monaghan, and Gillian Anderson. Longtime fans will be thrilled to see Jeff Bridges return once again as Kevin Flynn, connecting this new chapter to the franchise’s legacy.
Adding to the excitement, Nine Inch Nails handled the score, which was incredible!
Tron: Ares isn’t the only film making a splash this weekend. Paramount’s Roofman, starring Channing Tatum and Kirsten Dunst, is expected to pull in between $8 million and $12 million, while Kiss of the Spider Woman, led by Jennifer Lopez and Diego Luna, is tracking for a softer opening in the $1.5 million to $3 million range.
Disney could be looking at a solid start for a film that bridges cutting-edge visuals with nostalgic roots. Whether critics are on board or not, the grid is live again, and audiences are clearly ready to log in.
Tron: Ares opens in theaters on October 10, 2025.