Disney’s highly anticipated reboot, Tron: Ares, has made a significant splash at the box office, bringing in an impressive $4.8 million during its preview showings on Thursday and early access screenings on Wednesday. This big-budget film is expected to dominate the weekend box office, with projections estimating earnings between $40 million to $45 million. Fans are eager to see how this threequel performs, especially since it has been 15 years since the release of Tron: Legacy.
Under the guidance of former Disney executive Sean Bailey, who oversaw Disney's live-action studio, Tron: Ares aims to captivate both long-time fans and new audiences alike. However, it faces the challenge of mixed reviews, currently holding a 55 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes. It remains uncertain whether the audience scores can offset the critical reception.
Directed by Norwegian filmmaker Joachim Rønning, Tron: Ares features a talented cast that includes Jared Leto portraying the titular program, Ares. The film also stars Greta Lee as Eve Kim, the CEO of ENCOM, the tech corporation that has been central to the series from the beginning. Additionally, Evan Peters takes on the role of the antagonist, Julian Dillinger. The film's net production budget is estimated to be at least $180 million, reflecting its status as a major cinematic event.
This weekend also sees the release of Paramount’s romantic crime-caper comedy, Roofman, starring Channing Tatum and Kirsten Dunst. Directed by Derek Cianfrance, Roofman earned $1 million in previews and is projected to open modestly with earnings between $8 million to $10 million. With a net production budget of $19 million, this film aims to attract female audiences who may not be interested in the male-oriented Tron installment. The film has received favorable reviews, currently holding an 82 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Roofman is inspired by a true story, chronicling the exploits of an Army veteran and struggling father who resorts to robbing McDonald’s by cutting holes in their roofs, earning him the nickname Roofman. After facing a prison sentence, he secretly lives inside a Toys “R” Us for six months, evading detection while plotting his next move. However, his secretive lifestyle begins to unravel when he falls in love.
Another new release this weekend is Soul of Fire, produced by Sony's faith-based Affirm label, which grossed $575,000 in previews. Meanwhile, Amazon MGM Studios is taking a different approach by releasing the psychological thriller After the Hunt, directed by Luca Guadagnino, in 17 theaters. This awards contender features a star-studded cast including Julia Roberts, Ayo Edebiri, Andrew Garfield, Michael Stuhlbarg, and Chloë Sevigny. The film delves into the repercussions of a sexual assault accusation that disrupts Yale's philosophy department.
With diverse offerings like Tron: Ares, Roofman, and Soul of Fire, this weekend is set to provide moviegoers with an array of cinematic experiences, catering to various tastes and preferences.
