Jeff Bridges, lead actor in the sci-fi reboot Tron: Ares, addressed the disappointing box office results after the film’s opening weekend, which earned roughly $60 million worldwide. Despite expectations for a big-budget blockbuster, the movie’s performance has fallen short, prompting concern about its future prospects.
Bridges offered his perspective on the significance of opening weekend numbers, emphasizing that immediate reception doesn’t always define a film’s lasting worth. His comments came during an interview with Entertainment Weekly as he responded to questions surrounding the early box office reactions.
Reflecting on Changing Opinions About Films Over Time
To illustrate his viewpoint, Bridges referenced the 1980 epic western Heaven’s Gate, which he starred in and Michael Cimino directed. Initially regarded as a commercial and critical failure, it has since gained a reputation as a masterpiece. Bridges remarked on the evolving nature of movie appreciation, sharing,
“That’s not really my wheelhouse. [Laughs] I don’t really know about that,”
and added,
“It’s interesting, though, how movies are received at opening weekend. I remember Heaven’s Gate was considered, you know, very disappointing or a flop, but nowadays it’s considered kind of a masterpiece.”
The actor also mentioned a personal connection to the film through his wife’s photography on display at the Tamsen Gallery in Santa Barbara, which is located beside the Arlington Theater. He highlighted an upcoming screening of the director’s cut, describing it as a chance for audiences to reconsider the film, saying,
“And next month there’s gonna be a screening of Heaven’s Gate that everyone’s invited to. And it’s the director’s cut, you know, Michael Cimino – it’s gonna be great. So it’s interesting how things can grow on you.”
Personal Insight from Bridges’ Iconic Character
Bridges closed his reflections by channeling the laid-back attitude of one of his most famous roles. Quoting “The Dude” from The Big Lebowski, he said,
“Even as an individual, often, I have not liked a movie. And then a couple weeks or months later, I’ll see it again. I’ll say, ‘What was I thinking?’ [Laughs] As the Dude would say, ‘That’s just like your opinion, man.’”
Industry Perspective and Critic Reception of Tron: Ares
Despite Bridges’ calm response, the future for Tron: Ares appears uncertain. Projections indicate the film may see a loss close to $132.7 million, which could jeopardize the possibility of a sequel. The movie currently holds a 53% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Our own review rated the film 2.5 stars, noting:
“A serviceable blockbuster falls short of being truly fun by swapping the Grid for a real-world setting. Despite a good lead performance from Greta Lee and a great score, Ares lacks the charm and silliness of its Tron predecessors after one upgrade too many.”
Other notable reactions include comments from the film’s producers asserting that Bridges is central to the franchise, and opinions from figures like Hideo Kojima, who was particularly struck by the Depeche Mode references in the film.
Looking Ahead: The Impact on the Franchise and Audience
The lukewarm reception of Tron: Ares raises questions about the franchise’s direction moving forward, especially concerning the likelihood of a follow-up installment. As the saga attempts to balance fresh settings with its established sci-fi roots, fans and critics alike are watching closely.
For those interested in science fiction and related genres, our curated guide to the best movies currently available on Disney Plus offers a range of options to explore while the future of Tron unfolds.
