Jared Leto’s Tron: Ares Fails to Impress at Box Office

LOS ANGELES, CA — Jared Leto’s highly anticipated film, Tron: Ares, opened to disappointing box office results this weekend. The movie earned just $33.2 million domestically from 4,000 theaters, significantly below expectations.

The release on October 1 marked a major event for Disney, as Leto even staged a dramatic stunt, appearing 30 feet above Piccadilly Circus in a red raincoat and white suit to promote the film. However, this theatrical display didn’t translate into ticket sales. Analysts had projected an opening gross of $40 million to $50 million.

With a production budget of at least $180 million, Tron: Ares’s numbers raise concerns about the franchise’s future. Internationally, the film brought in $27 million, resulting in a global total of $60.2 million, hampered by underperformance in key regions.

Some Disney insiders had foreseen potential issues, worried that only dedicated fans would attend. Age demographics showed that 18- to 24-year-old males, the primary audience, did not engage as hoped. The film received a CinemaScore of B+, indicating mixed reactions among viewers.

“You could have had Ryan Gosling, it wasn’t going to work,” said an agency source, dismissing the notion that casting could have salvaged the film. Critics also noted a lack of interest in a reboot of the beloved franchise.

Despite facing backlash over his recent controversies, Leto remained a significant presence during the promotional tour. He reportedly earned a high-seven-figure payday for his role in Tron: Ares and was seen as a professional representative for the project.

Looking ahead, Leto’s next role will portray Skeletor in MGM/Mattel’s Masters of the Universe, a venture that could redirect his career following the fallout from Tron: Ares. As the film continues to struggle, sources indicate that Disney may reconsider future installments in the Tron franchise.

While Leto’s theatrical antics drew attention, the film’s lackluster performance at the box office puts his future as a leading man in jeopardy. The failure of Tron: Ares may signal the end of an era for the franchise, which has had a rocky history since the original film debuted over four decades ago.