Streaming Fails to Rescue 2025’s Costliest Sci-Fi Flop
Disney’s recent film struggles reached a notable low in 2025, with multiple high-profile releases faltering at the box office. The streaming release of “Tron: Ares” has sparked discussions on its performance, especially considering it grossed just over $140 million against a staggering budget of $220 million.
Disappointing Box Office Results
While Disney found some success with the blockbuster hits “Zootopia 2” and “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” which collectively grossed nearly $3.5 billion, they could not counterbalance the dismal performances of other films. Notably, “Tron: Ares” emerged as one of Disney’s costliest flops, reportedly losing the company as much as $132 million.
Other underperformers included remakes of “Snow White” and “Lilo & Stitch,” and releases from the Pixar and Marvel franchises that failed to meet expectations. The 2025 theatrical landscape was certainly challenging for Disney.
Failed Expectations and Streaming Redemption
“Tron: Ares,” directed by Joachim Rønning and featuring Jared Leto, Greta Lee, and Evan Peters, was met with mixed critical reception. The film holds a 53% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, reflecting its narrative shortcomings despite being visually captivating. Critics noted it was “gorgeous to behold but too narratively programmatic.”
Nonetheless, “Tron: Ares” found a second chance on the Disney+ platform. It initially ranked as the top film on the streaming service until recently surpassed by “Avatar: The Way of Water,” which has grossed $2.3 billion worldwide. This shift has been attributed to the increased interest surrounding the release of “Avatar: Fire and Ash.”
Key Facts About “Tron: Ares”
- Release Date: October 8, 2025
- Runtime: 119 minutes
- Director: Joachim Rønning
- Writers: Jesse Wigutow, Steven Lisberger, Bonnie MacBird, and others
- Producers: Jared Leto, Jeffrey Silver, Sean Bailey, among others
Despite its initial box office failures, “Tron: Ares” showcases how streaming can offer redemption in an evolving cinematic landscape. The film’s fluctuating performance highlights the complexities faced by studios in today’s market, where a successful streaming release can shift the narrative surrounding a movie.
