TRON: ARES Projected To Open With $44M at the U.S. Box Office
Disney’s upcoming sci-fi adventure Tron: Ares is officially tracking for a $44 million opening weekend when it hits theaters on October 10. That’s right in line with Tron: Legacy, which debuted in 2010 with the same number, but industry insiders believe the new film could soar even higher once audiences plug in.
Recent Imax-fueled releases like F1, Conjuring: Last Rites, and Weapons have all shattered their early projections, suggesting that Tron: Ares could see a bigger payday than expected.
Ticket sales are already looking promising, with around $2 million sold in advance since they went live two weeks ago. For comparison, that pace puts it in the same arena as Gladiator 2 ($55M), F1 ($57M), and Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny ($60.3M).
Disney has also kicked its marketing campaign into high gear. After a splashy San Diego Comic-Con showcase, new promos are airing during NFL and college football games.
On top of that, Disney World has upgraded its Tron LightCycle Run ride at Magic Kingdom with the film’s sleek red-and-black color scheme to immerse fans in the vibe of the new movie.
Tron: Ares is directed by Joachim Rønning and stars Jared Leto, Greta Lee, Evan Peters, Jodie Turner-Smith, Cameron Monaghan, Gillian Anderson, and Jeff Bridges returning as Kevin Flynn.
Tracking shows men over 25 as the strongest demographic, but the film’s overall appeal is stacking up nicely against other genre hits. In first-choice polling, it’s currently ahead of Transformers: Rise of the Beasts ($61M opening), Ready Player One ($41.7M), and Furiosa ($26.3M), while sitting just behind Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes ($58.4M).
The story follows a highly sophisticated Program named Ares who crosses into the real world on a dangerous mission. As a direct sequel to both Tron and Tron: Legacy, the film aims to expand the franchise’s mythology while staying true to its roots.
The screenplay, penned by Jesse Wigutow and Jack Thorne, continues the vision of original creators Steven Lisberger and Bonnie MacBird.
The Tron franchise began in 1982 and across two films has pulled in about $433 million globally. With Tron: Ares, Disney is betting big that the digital frontier still has plenty of power to draw audiences back into the Grid.