Disney’s Tron: Ares has emerged as a major financial disappointment, projecting a $132 million loss after underperforming at the global box office. Released on October 10, 2025, the sci-fi sequel failed to capture audiences despite high expectations and a hefty budget. This setback adds to a challenging year for the studio, marked by several high-profile flops.
Here’s the TL;DR…
- Tron: Ares cost $220 million to produce plus $102.5 million in marketing, totaling around $322.5 million in expenses.
- The film grossed just $103 million worldwide after two weekends, leading to a projected $132 million net loss for Disney.
- It suffered a 66% drop in its second weekend domestically, earning $11.1 million.
- Critics gave it a 55% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with audiences awarding a B+ CinemaScore.
- Other 2025 Disney flops include Snow White ($115 million loss), Thunderbolts** (around $50 million loss), and Captain America: Brave New World (narrow miss on breakeven).
How Much Money Did Tron: Ares Lose at the Box Office?
Initial reports pegged the production budget at $170 million to $180 million, but updated figures reveal a net cost of $220 million. Marketing added another $102.5 million, pushing total outlays higher.
With $103 million in global earnings so far, the math points to a $132 million loss. Domestic totals sit at about $55 million, while international markets contributed $48 million.
Insiders note the film needed at least $400 million to break even, a target it won’t reach.
What Led to Tron: Ares’ Steep Box Office Decline?
The movie opened to $33.5 million domestically, below projections of $45 million to $50 million. Competition from other releases and lack of buzz hurt its start.
In week two, earnings dropped 66% to $11.1 million in North America. Global figures followed suit, signaling weak word-of-mouth.
Analysts blame the 15-year gap since Tron: Legacy and Jared Leto’s lead role for failing to draw crowds.
How Was Tron: Ares Received by Critics and Audiences?
Rotten Tomatoes critics scored it at 55%, calling it “forgettable futuristic fluff.” Reviews praised visuals but criticized the plot and pacing.
Audience reactions were milder, with a B+ CinemaScore. Some viewers enjoyed the action, but many found it derivative.
The mixed feedback likely contributed to the rapid drop-off in attendance.
Which Other Disney Films Lost Money in 2025?
Snow White, released in March, ended its run with a $115 million loss. It opened to $42 million domestically and finished under $200 million globally.
Thunderbolts** grossed $371 million worldwide but needed $425 million to break even, resulting in substantial red ink. Marvel chief Kevin Feige cited reliance on Disney+ characters as a factor.
Captain America: Brave New World made $415 million globally, just shy of its $425 million breakeven point. It opened strong but tapered off.
Why Are Disney’s 2025 Releases Struggling Financially?
Disney crossed $2 billion globally this year, boosted by hits like Lilo & Stitch. Yet, flops have dragged overall performance.
Issues include audience fatigue with remakes and superhero films, plus controversies around casting and marketing. The studio faces pressure to innovate.
Despite successes, 2025 could end in a net loss for Disney’s theatrical slate.
Tron: Ares joins a list of costly missteps for Disney in 2025, highlighting the risks of big-budget sequels in a shifting market. As the studio evaluates its strategy, expect a focus on fresh stories and diversified franchises to regain momentum. For now, these losses underscore the unpredictable nature of box office success.
Hat Tips
- Deadline: ‘Tron: Ares’ Bombs At Box Office, Will Lose $132 Million – October 20, 2025
- Dark Horizons: “TRON: Ares” Headed For $132 Million Loss – October 20, 2025
- SuperHeroHype: Tron: Ares’ Real Budget Reveals Disney’s Huge Loss on Sci-Fi Movie – October 20, 2025
- Popverse: Tron: Ares Might End Up Costing Disney More Money Than Expected – October 20, 2025
- Forbes: ‘TRON: Ares’ Takes 66% Dive At Box Office In 2nd Weekend Of Release – October 19, 2025
- SlashFilm: Jared Leto’s Tron: Ares Just Went From Bad To Worse At The Box Office – October 20, 2025
- World of Reel: ‘Tron: Ares’ Stands to Lose Disney $132M+ as Actual Budget ($220M) Confirmed – October 20, 2025
- Laughing Place: Tron: Ares Box Office Failure: A Projected Loss for Disney – October 20, 2025
- Forbes: ‘TRON: Ares’ Rotten Tomatoes Reviews: Does 3rd TRON Film Crack? – October 8, 2025
- Forbes: Disney’s ‘Snow White’ Ends Theater Run: How Much Money Did It Lose? – June 7, 2025
- Variety: ‘Thunderbolts’ Lost Millions at the Box Office. What Will Marvel Do Next? – June 12, 2025
- Reddit: Captain America: Brave New World Has Passed $400M Global – March 23, 2025
- YouTube: Disney Set for Net Loss for Entire 2025 Box Office – October 12, 2025
- Reddit: Disney Crosses $2B at the Global Box Office – August 9, 2025
- YouTube: Why Snow White Bombed At The Box Office – March 26, 2025
Article Compiled and Edited by Ivy Adams on October 20, 2025 for Pirates & Princesses.
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