Disney’s Latest Sci-Fi Blockbuster Set to Lose Over $130M at Box Office
Disney’s latest sci-fi release, Tron: Ares, is on track to lose over $130 million, according to Deadline sources. The third installment in the long-running Tron franchise reportedly cost $220 million to produce, well above the previously reported $170-$180 million.
With a current global gross around $160 million, the movie is heading for a projected $132.7 million deficit after accounting for all revenues and expenses.
The film, starring Jared Leto, Greta Lee, and Jeff Bridges, is directed by Joachim Rønning. It has seen a steep drop at the box office, with a 67% decline in domestic earnings during its second weekend, totaling $11.1 million.
If the movie reaches $160 million worldwide, Disney would still earn roughly $214.8 million through theatrical rentals, home entertainment, global television, and airline screenings, far short of the total $347.5 million spent on production, marketing, and other costs.
A talent representative commented on the situation, stating, “There was no specific vision, to be honest. The idea that Disney would spend a quarter of a billion dollars on a Jared Leto film that is a franchise that hasn’t worked in four decades is insane.”
Tron: Ares faced multiple challenges. While the Tron franchise has a cult following, it has never achieved blockbuster-level success.
This October, they are coming to our world.
— Walt Disney Studios (@DisneyStudios) July 17, 2025
Watch the brand-new trailer for Tron: Ares and experience it in theaters, filmed for IMAX, October 10. pic.twitter.com/a2z8Pnn3Ei
The 1980s original had minimal impact, and even the 2010 reboot, Tron: Legacy, performed modestly compared to major hits like Avatar. Critics and insiders suggest that the screenplay of Tron: Ares was a major factor in its struggles, with multiple writers brought in to fix the story before release.
Despite the star power, the movie failed to attract a younger audience. Data from CinemaScore and PostTrak show strong approval from older fans but weak interest among viewers aged 13-24. The franchise’s core fanbase remained loyal, but it was not enough to drive widespread box office success.
Some insiders note that Tron: Ares may have been intended partly to promote Disney theme park rides, where the Tron attraction remains popular in Orlando and Shanghai. Nevertheless, the box office numbers highlight the risks of investing heavily in niche sci-fi franchises with limited mainstream appeal.
“The franchise is dead,” some sources declared after the opening weekend, though past sci-fi and superhero series have shown that revivals are possible even after major flops.
The failure of Tron: Ares raises questions about the strategy for Disney’s sci-fi properties and the challenge of balancing fan service with wider audience appeal.
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