Following the disappointing box office performance of Tron: Ares, Jeff Bridges offered a thoughtful viewpoint on how the film’s initial reception does not necessarily define its long-term value. Speaking on the subject, Bridges referenced the film’s struggles while placing them in a broader historical context, highlighting how some movies gain appreciation over time despite early failures.
Tron: Ares, released by Disney on October 10, was expected to be a major fall blockbuster with a production budget of around $220 million. To break even, it needed to earn at least twice that amount. However, the film opened domestically with $33.5 million and garnered $60.5 million worldwide on opening weekend, both figures falling well short of projections, which anticipated approximately $45 million domestically and $90 million globally. Currently, Tron: Ares has accumulated $124 million worldwide, with forecasts predicting the total may stall near $160 million. If this estimate holds, Disney faces a potential loss of $132.7 million on the movie.
Jeff Bridges Reflects on Tron: Ares’ Disappointing Start and Comparisons to Past Flops
Bridges, who portrayed Kevin Flynn in the Tron franchise, addressed the movie’s underwhelming debut, emphasizing that initial box office numbers should not be the sole measure of a film’s worth. He drew a parallel between Tron: Ares and a well-known cinematic failure that eventually earned respect as a classic.
“It’s interesting, though, how movies are received at opening weekend,”
Bridges told Entertainment Weekly.
“I remember Heaven’s Gate was considered, you know, very disappointing or a flop, but nowadays it’s considered kind of a masterpiece.”
He pointed out that Heaven’s Gate, despite its rocky start, continues to be shown in special theatrical screenings decades later.
“It’s interesting how things can grow on you,”
Bridges added, illustrating how public and critical opinions can evolve.
Directed by Michael Cimino, Heaven’s Gate opened in 1980 as a costly Western and Cimino’s follow-up to The Deer Hunter. It faced harsh criticism and performed poorly at the box office, generating only $3.5 million against a $44 million budget. Over time, however, the film underwent a critical reassessment, especially after a re-edited version was released, winning a more favorable reception.
The Enduring Nature of Film Opinions and What This Means for Tron: Ares
Bridges shared his own experiences with film perception, admitting that his opinions have shifted after multiple viewings.
“Even as an individual, often, I have not liked a movie,”
he revealed.
“And then a couple weeks or months later, I’ll see it again. I’ll say, ‘What was I thinking?’ As the Dude would say, ‘That’s just, like, your opinion, man.’”
While Tron: Ares remains in theaters, this perspective offers hope that the movie’s reputation may change as audiences and critics revisit it over time, much like Heaven’s Gate. Its current financial challenges highlight the risks studios face with large-scale releases, but Bridges’ comments underscore that initial setbacks do not always signal permanent failure.
Originally reported by Dan Girolamo at SuperHeroHype.
