The latest installment of the longtime cult-favorite franchise, “Tron: Ares,” made a notable splash with $4.8 million in Thursday preview ticket sales. But here’s where it gets controversial—while it’s not a blockbuster giant, it’s showing solid signs of life.
This sci-fi sequel is projected to bring in around $45 million this weekend across approximately 4,000 theaters in North America, which would put it well ahead of other new movies debuting this weekend. For instance, Paramount’s R-rated dramedy “Roofman,” featuring Channing Tatum and Kirsten Dunst, earned praise from critics and pulled in about $1 million from previews, but is only expected to gross between $8 million and $12 million from 3,340 theaters. Meanwhile, “Kiss of the Spider Woman,” a musical starring Jennifer Lopez as a fantasy film queen, is anticipated to make $1.5 million to $3 million on 1,300 screens.
The opening weekend performance of “Tron: Ares” is roughly comparable to the 2010 predecessor, “Tron: Legacy,” which kicked off with a $44 million debut (without adjusting for inflation). On the international front, “Tron: Ares” is expected to bring in $40 million to $45 million, potentially pushing its global total to between $85 million and $95 million by the end of the weekend. However, the stakes are high—this film had a hefty $180 million budget, with tens of millions more spent on marketing. Packed with cutting-edge visuals of glowing suits and grid battles, it stars Jared Leto, Greta Lee, and Evan Peters, and was directed by Joachim Rønning, known for helming a “Pirates of the Caribbean” movie and the sequel to “Maleficent.”
Turning to “Roofman,” the film was developed and produced by Miramax and is inspired by the true story of a clever con artist who escapes prison and takes refuge in a toy store. Produced for under $20 million, it has a much smaller budget compared to “Tron.” On the other hand, “Kiss of the Spider Woman” is an adaptation of the Tony Award-winning musical by Kander and Ebb and was independently financed with production costs exceeding $30 million. It was picked up for distribution by Roadside Attractions and Lionsgate after receiving solid reviews at the Sundance Film Festival.
And this is the part most people miss: despite the promising start for “Tron: Ares,” the film’s massive budget means it needs sustained audience interest to truly succeed. Will it manage to do so, or will it fade as just another cult hit that never quite breaks into mainstream blockbuster territory? What do you think—can a franchise with a dedicated but niche fanbase translate to big commercial success in today’s crowded box office? Share your thoughts below!
