Imagine a movie so underwhelming that even the biggest box office disaster in history outperformed it. That’s the reality for Disney’s Tron: Ares, which, despite its high-profile release, is struggling to hit the $150 million mark globally—a figure that pales in comparison to the $280 million earned by 2012’s John Carter, often dubbed the biggest flop ever. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is Tron: Ares simply a victim of poor timing, or does it signal the end of the franchise’s relevance?*
Released in October 2025, Tron: Ares had big shoes to fill, following the 2010 cult classic Tron: Legacy. However, the new installment, directed by Joachim Rønning and starring Jared Leto, has failed to captivate audiences. With a production budget of $220 million, the film is projected to lose Disney up to $130 million—a staggering figure, though still less than the $260 million John Carter reportedly cost the studio. Ares lacks the directorial vision of Joseph Kosinski and the iconic Daft Punk soundtrack that helped Legacy gain a dedicated following over the years. Instead, it stands as a standalone sequel, leaving fans divided and critics underwhelmed.
John Carter, despite its massive losses, at least doubled Ares’ current box office haul. Directed by Andrew Stanton and starring Taylor Kitsch, it was marketed as the inspiration behind franchises like Avatar and Star Wars. Yet, it became the poster child for Disney’s string of early-2010s flops, including Mars Needs Moms, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, and Tomorrowland. Ares seems to be following a similar path, though its failure feels more personal, given the franchise’s once-promising potential.
Disney’s 2025 hasn’t been kind, with underperformers like Captain America: Brave New World, Thunderbolts, and The Fantastic Four: First Steps weighing down its slate. Even the live-action Lilo & Stitch remake, a billion-dollar hit, hasn’t been enough to offset these losses. While Zootopia 2 and Avatar: Fire and Ash are expected to turn things around, Ares remains a glaring misstep. And this is the part most people miss: Despite its 53% Rotten Tomatoes score, the film received praise for Nine Inch Nails’ original score and Jeff Cronenweth’s cinematography—elements that could have been leveraged better in marketing.
So, is Tron: Ares the final nail in the franchise’s coffin, or is there still hope for a digital resurrection? Disney’s track record suggests it’s not afraid to take risks, but with Ares’ performance, the question remains: Can a franchise survive without the elements that made it iconic? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—do you think Tron deserves another chance, or is it time to power down the grid for good?
