Tron: Ares has outperformed Ridley Scott’s legendary 1979 sci-fi horror film Alien at the domestic box office, despite a significant reduction in theater availability. In its fourth weekend, Tron: Ares dropped from 2,940 to 2,575 screens and earned $2.8 million, marking a 43% decline from its previous weekend. Its domestic earnings have now reached $67.8 million, topping Alien’s total, while its international gross stands at $66 million, bringing the worldwide total to $133.8 million. The film’s ability to surpass such an iconic movie highlights its unexpected commercial impact amid challenging circumstances.
Competition and Comparisons with Recent Releases
In addition to beating Alien, Tron: Ares narrowly outpaced Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, which accumulated $67.5 million domestically. The latter starred Anya Taylor-Joy and Chris Hemsworth but failed to gain strong momentum. As Tron: Ares continues its theatrical run, it aims to surpass other 2024 releases such as Alex Garland’s Civil War and 28 Years Later. Despite a disappointing $33 million domestic debut, the film’s decline has been swift, positioning it as one of Disney’s most significant box office failures in recent memory.
Casting Choices and Franchise Concerns
Disney’s decision to cast Jared Leto as the lead in this sci-fi sequel has been heavily criticized. Leto, known for his role in Morbius—a film that contributed to the collapse of Sony’s Marvel Universe—has earned a troubling reputation as a “franchise killer” rather than a draw for blockbusters. Alongside Leto, the cast includes Greta Lee, Evan Peters, and Cameron Monaghan, but this ensemble has not been enough to reverse the film’s negative trajectory or financial struggles.
Streaming Prospects and Financial Outlook
Disney has not yet confirmed a streaming release date for Tron: Ares, which remains in theaters but is expected to leave soon. Its digital release on platforms such as VOD, Blu-ray, and DVD is likely in the near future. However, these formats are unlikely to recover the reported $180 million budget, especially given the need to earn roughly $350 million to break even. With current box office numbers far below that threshold and a steep drop in revenue last weekend, the chances of a turnaround appear slim.
The Future of Tron: Ares and Its Place in Sci-Fi Cinema
Tron: Ares’ ability to surpass Alien at the domestic box office underlines its notable commercial achievement, but the film’s sharp decline and costly production point toward a troubling legacy for Disney. The combination of casting controversies and poor box office returns suggests the franchise may be in jeopardy. Observers will be watching closely to see if digital sales or future projects can offset these losses and influence the future direction of the Tron universe.
“Jared Leto is developing an unfortunate reputation as a franchise killer, not a savior.” – Industry Analyst
