Disney’s much-anticipated film, Tron: Ares, the latest addition to the iconic series created by Steven Lisberger and Bonnie Macbird, is projected to debut with a strong opening of $44 million when it hits theaters on October 10. This projection mirrors the successful launch of its predecessor, Tron: Legacy, in 2010, which also opened to $44 million. However, there’s potential for a higher box office performance, as recent films boosted by Imax, such as F1, Conjuring: Last Rite, and Weapons, have exceeded expectations.
The film’s tickets have been on sale for two weeks, currently grossing around $2 million, with comparisons drawn to anticipated films like Gladiator 2 ($55M), F1 ($57M), and Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny ($60.3M). Marketing efforts are ramping up after a prominent presence at San Diego Comic-Con, with advertisements airing during NFL and college football games. Additionally, Disney World has enhanced the excitement by updating their Tron LightCycle Ride at Magic Kingdom with the new film’s thematic red and black lights.
Tron: Ares, directed by Joachim Rønning, boasts a star-studded cast including Oscar-winner Jared Leto, Greta Lee, Evan Peters, Jodie Turner-Smith, Cameron Monaghan, Gillian Anderson, and Jeff Bridges reprising his role as Kevin Flynn. Among moviegoers, particularly men over 25, the film has strong unaided awareness and first-choice preference, positioning it ahead of notable films such as Transformers: Rise of the Beasts and Ready Player One, though slightly behind Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes.
The storyline features Ares, a highly advanced Program who transitions from the digital realm into the real world on a dangerous mission. Since its inception in 1982, the Tron franchise has collectively brought in approximately $433 million globally.
On the same day, other films like Miramax/Paramount’s crime romance Roofman, starring Channing Tatum and Kirsten Dunst, and Roadside Attractions’ Sundance acquisition, Kiss of the Spider Woman, will also premiere, with projected openings of $10 million and $5 million, respectively. Both films have received positive critical responses, holding fresh ratings on Rotten Tomatoes post-premiere.
Tron: Ares is well-poised to capture the audience’s imagination, carrying forth the legacy of a pioneering franchise while leveraging innovative marketing strategies to entice a new generation of fans.