‘Tron: Ares’ Powers to $33 Million Opening, Leads Domestic Box Office Despite Falling Short of Expectations

Disney’s futuristic saga claims the top spot 40 years after the original, as “Roofman” and “One Battle After Another” round out a diverse October box office lineup.

Disney’s Tron: Ares raced to the top of the domestic box office this weekend, debuting with an estimated $33.5 million — enough to secure the No. 1 spot but below analysts’ projections of more than $40 million.

The third installment in the decades-spanning Tron franchise marks a significant moment for Disney, continuing a legacy that began over four decades ago. Despite its $180 million production budget, the sci-fi adventure fell short of the impressive momentum of Tron: Legacy (2010), which opened to about $65 million when adjusted for inflation.

Still, box office analysts highlighted the film’s cultural staying power.

“Let’s give Tron credit for being one of very few long-running franchises that can grab a No. 1 debut over 40 years after the first film,” said Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst at Comscore.

While the original Tron opened to $16.7 million in 1982 (about $52 million when adjusted for inflation), Ares outperformed its predecessor in audience appeal and franchise endurance — proving the digital realm still has a devoted following.

Coming in second place was Paramount Pictures’ “Roofman,” the dramatic retelling of Jeffrey Manchester’s 2004 prison escape and months-long hiding inside a Toys “R” Us. The film earned a solid $8 million, exceeding the genre’s typical $6.4 million average for character-driven comedies.

At No. 3, Warner Bros.’ “One Battle After Another” added $6.67 million, bringing its three-week total to $54 million — a steady run for the war drama. Following closely were Universal Pictures’ “Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie” at $3.35 million, and Sony’s “Soul on Fire” with $3 million.

Dergarabedian praised Gabby’s Dollhouse as “an unsung hero of the month,” citing its rare G-rated appeal in a market dominated by PG family fare.

October’s box office slate, while missing major blockbusters, has delivered a blend of genres — from prestige dramas to animated family films. Still, Dergarabedian noted that audiences “have to research and find the movies” that speak to them this season.

Looking ahead, Hollywood’s biggest releases — including Wicked: For Good (Nov. 21), Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 (Dec. 5), and Avatar: Fire and Ash (Dec. 19) — are expected to reignite the holiday movie rush.

For now, Tron: Ares stands as both a nostalgic nod and a futuristic leap — keeping the grid alive for a new generation of moviegoers.