Imagine a movie so underwhelming that even the biggest box office disaster in history managed to outperform it. That’s the reality for Disney’s Tron: Ares, which, after a month in theaters, is struggling to even sniff the $150 million mark globally. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is this the final nail in the Tron franchise’s coffin, or is there still a glimmer of hope for this digital universe? Let’s dive in.
Tron: Ares hit theaters to mixed reviews and has since limped along, grossing a mere $139 million worldwide. For context, its 2010 predecessor, Tron: Legacy, pulled in around $100 million more domestically—and that was considered a disappointment. Legacy eventually gained a cult following, thanks in part to its groundbreaking visuals and Daft Punk’s iconic soundtrack. But Ares? It’s a stand-alone sequel, missing the directorial touch of Joseph Kosinski and the musical genius of Daft Punk. And this is the part most people miss: Without those key elements, Ares feels more like a shadow of its predecessor than a worthy successor.
Directed by Joachim Rønning and starring Jared Leto, Ares reportedly cost $220 million to produce. At its current pace, it’s projected to lose Disney up to $130 million. Ouch. But before you start feeling too bad for the studio, remember this: Disney’s 2012 flop John Carter reportedly lost a staggering $260 million. Yes, you read that right. Despite being marketed as the inspiration behind franchises like Avatar and Star Wars, John Carter became the poster child for box office bombs. Yet, it still managed to gross over $280 million globally—twice what Ares has made so far. Here’s a thought-provoking question: Is Ares a worse failure because it couldn’t even match the numbers of a movie widely considered the biggest flop in history?
John Carter wasn’t alone in Disney’s 2012 slump. Films like Mars Needs Moms, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, and Tomorrowland also bombed, making it a rough year for the studio. Fast forward to 2025, and Disney’s struggles continue with underperformers like Captain America: Brave New World, Thunderbolts, and The Fantastic Four: First Steps. However, it’s not all doom and gloom. The live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch crossed the billion-dollar mark, and upcoming releases like Zootopia 2 and Avatar: Fire and Ash are expected to be surefire hits.
As for Tron: Ares, it’s currently sitting at a 53% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics have praised Nine Inch Nails’ original score and Jeff Cronenweth’s cinematography, but that hasn’t been enough to save it from commercial failure. Bold prediction: Unless Disney finds a way to reignite interest, the Tron franchise might be headed for the digital graveyard.
So, what do you think? Is Tron: Ares a missed opportunity, or is the franchise beyond saving? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your take!
