Disney Faces $132 Million Loss Over ‘Ares’
The latest financial report indicates that Disney is facing a staggering $132 million loss due to its latest film, Tron: Ares. The production cost of this long-awaited sequel, starring Jared Leto, has drawn significant scrutiny due to its escalating budget estimates.
Tron: Ares – A Costly Venture for Disney
Initial budgets for Tron: Ares ranged between $170 million and $180 million. However, revised estimates suggest the total could climb as high as $220 million. This hefty investment shines a light on Disney’s troubling decision to pursue a franchise with a history of underperformance.
Box Office Performance and Audience Reception
In its second week of release, Tron: Ares experienced a considerable 67% drop in domestic box office revenue. The performance raises concerns about its ability to recoup even a fraction of the production costs.
One anonymous source described the financial commitment to Ares as “insane,” given the franchise’s historical struggles for over forty years. While the original Tron film flopped during its initial release in the 1980s, it later achieved a cult following. However, the legacy sequel, Tron: Legacy, while a modest success, did not generate the momentum needed to justify further installments like Ares.
Challenges Facing Jared Leto
- Haunted Mansion: A box office disappointment for both Disney and Leto.
- House of Gucci: Fewer awards than anticipated.
- Morbius: A colossal failure that became an internet meme.
The mounting losses from Tron: Ares continue a troubling trend for both Disney and Jared Leto. The studio faces significant challenges as it re-evaluates its investment strategies in franchises that have not met expectations.
Despite the setbacks, the Tron ride at Disney World remains a popular attraction, showcasing the company’s ongoing efforts to capitalize on its legacy franchises. However, as financial losses mount, it remains to be seen how Disney will navigate its future projects in the film industry.
