Disney’s highly anticipated film, “Tron: Ares,” is set to make a significant impact at the box office during its debut weekend, though initial earnings are falling short of earlier projections. This latest installment in the Tron franchise has garnered approximately $14.3 million from Friday and preview screenings across 4,000 theaters, which includes early access showings that began on Wednesday.
Pre-weekend forecasts had expected “Tron: Ares” to debut above $45 million, a target that now appears increasingly unattainable. The film is currently tracking behind its predecessor, “Tron: Legacy,” which opened with $17.5 million on its first day back in 2010, ultimately reaching a total of $44 million for its opening weekend.
Critics have given “Tron: Ares” mediocre reviews, while audience reception has been slightly more favorable. According to Cinema Score, moviegoers rated the film with a B+ grade. This underwhelming start is a concern for Disney, especially considering the substantial $180 million investment in this PG-13 franchise revival. As one of the few major blockbuster films releasing between the summer and Thanksgiving, “Ares” is relying heavily on international markets to achieve profitability.
The Tron franchise, while often seen as a blend of cult classic and commercial potential, has had its ups and downs. The original Tron film was the 22nd highest-grossing release in North America in 1982, while “Tron: Legacy” managed to gross $400 million globally against a budget of $170 million. The new film features franchise newcomers Jared Leto, Greta Lee, and Evan Peters, alongside returning star Jeff Bridges as Kevin Flynn. Directed by Joachim Rønning, known for his work on the final “Pirates of the Caribbean” film, the movie aims to captivate audiences with an original score by Nine Inch Nails.
In addition to “Tron: Ares,” another film vying for box office attention is “Roofman,” starring Channing Tatum. This comedic thriller, which is based on real events, has earned $3.25 million from Friday and preview screenings across 3,362 locations. Roofman is expected to meet its pre-weekend forecast of at least $8 million for its opening.
Produced by Miramax with a modest budget of $19 million, “Roofman” has benefited from positive critical reviews and a B+ grade from Cinema Score. The film features a talented ensemble cast, including Kirsten Dunst, Peter Dinklage, LaKeith Stanfield, Ben Mendelsohn, and Uzo Aduba. Directed by Derek Cianfrance, known for his previous works like “Blue Valentine”, the film tells the story of a charming criminal who robbed McDonald's locations before escaping prison.
This weekend also sees the release of “Soul on Fire” from Sony, a faith-based drama that aims for a fifth-place finish at the box office. It has earned $1.3 million from Friday and previews and is projected for a $3 million opening weekend. The film has resonated well with its target audience, securing an A grade on Cinema Score.
On the other hand, “Kiss of the Spider Woman” has struggled significantly, earning only $343,000 from Friday and previews in a semi-wide release. This R-rated adaptation of the Tony-winning musical debuted at the Sundance Film Festival with respectable reviews but has since fallen flat at the box office.
Warner Bros.’ awards contender “One Battle After Another” earned $2 million on its third Friday, reflecting a 41% drop from its previous week. With a domestic total nearing $49.8 million after 15 days, its pathway to profitability appears increasingly challenging. Meanwhile, “Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie” remains steady in fourth place with $920,000 on Friday, while “The Conjuring: Last Rites” continues to perform well, now totaling $170.4 million domestically.
In a disappointing turn, “The Smashing Machine,” directed by Benny Safdie, has seen a steep decline in box office performance, earning only $530,000 on Friday, marking a significant drop of 72% from its daily total a week prior. As A24's most expensive production yet, at a budget of $50 million, it is quickly fading from theaters.
