Ares’ Disappoints Opening Day, Roofman Climbs to Second
Disney’s latest film, “Tron: Ares,” made its debut at the box office, but it fell short of initial expectations. The sci-fi sequel earned $14.3 million on its opening day, which included Friday’s earnings and previews from approximately 4,000 venues. Projections had suggested a robust opening of over $45 million, a figure that now seems unlikely.
A Disappointing Start for “Tron: Ares”
In comparison to its predecessor, “Tron: Legacy,” which opened with $17.5 million in 2010, “Ares” is trailing behind. This threequel has received mixed reviews, although audience feedback was slightly more favorable, scoring a “B+” on Cinema Score.
Disney invested around $180 million in this PG-13 franchise revival. The company is relying on international audiences to help turn a profit, as the film has generated a cult following over the years. The original “Tron,” released in 1982, was only the 22nd-highest grossing film in North America that year. “Tron: Legacy” went on to gross $400 million globally against a $170 million budget.
Cast and Production Insights
Helmed by director Joachim Rønning, who previously worked on projects like the “Pirates of the Caribbean” series, “Ares” features newcomers such as Jared Leto, Greta Lee, and Evan Peters. Notably, Jeff Bridges reprises his role as Kevin Flynn.
The film’s marketing campaign highlighted an original score by Nine Inch Nails, building on the acclaim garnered by Daft Punk’s work for “Legacy.”
Channing Tatum’s “Roofman” Takes Second Place
Following closely, Paramount’s comedy-thriller “Roofman” starring Channing Tatum earned $3.25 million across Friday and previews from 3,362 locations. This film has also underperformed compared to pre-weekend predictions, which forecasted a debut of at least $8 million.
Developed by Miramax on a budget of $19 million, “Roofman” received positive critical reception and a “B+” Cinema Score, potentially indicating strong word-of-mouth momentum despite a modest start. Directed by Derek Cianfrance, the film depicts Tatum as a friendly criminal who escapes prison and lives in a Toys “R” Us after robbing McDonald’s locations.
Other Weekend Releases
- : Opening in 1,720 locations, this faith-based drama earned $1.3 million on its first day, expecting a $3 million opening weekend.
- : This adaptation earned only $343,000, struggling to make an impact after a Sundance Film Festival debut.
- : With a domestic total of $49.8 million, this film is experiencing diminishing returns in its third week.
This weekend’s box office results illustrate a challenging landscape for new releases, with “Tron: Ares” and “Roofman” both underperforming against expectations. Audiences and critics alike will be watching for how these films fare in the weeks ahead.
