Disney’s ‘Tron: Ares’ isn’t exactly racing off the starting line this weekend. The sci-fi sequel opened to an estimated $33.5 million over three days domestically, and $60.5 million globally, falling short of earlier projections that had anticipated $40–45 million domestic and $80–90 million worldwide.

The franchise, which dates back 43 years, didn’t significantly draw in younger moviegoers this time around—only 30% of the audience was under 25. However, those who did show up opted for premium experiences: 67% of the box office came from PLF formats, including IMAX, 3D, ScreenX, and D-Box. 3D screenings alone accounted for 31%, while IMAX contributed $6.6 million, representing 20% of the total. Disney retains IMAX screens for another week and will keep 3D formats throughout the film’s run.

The situation echoes the 2017 release of ‘Blade Runner 2049,’ which shared many similarities with ‘Tron: Ares’: a comparable $180 million production budget, the same Indigenous Peoples’ Day weekend release, a $40 million domestic forecast, and ultimately a softer-than-expected $32.7 million opening. ‘Blade Runner 2049’ went on to earn $37.2 million over its four-day debut (including $4.4 million on Monday). That film earned an A– CinemaScore compared to ‘Tron: Ares’’ B+, though in industry terms those grades often lead to similar box office multiples. ‘Blade Runner 2049’ ultimately achieved a 2.8x multiplier, finishing with $92 million domestic and $277.9 million worldwide—figures that didn’t exactly demand a follow-up.

‘Tron: Legacy’ (2010) earned a $44 million domestic opening and $400 million global total—solid, though not a runaway hit. That mixed performance is partly why Disney didn’t rush into a follow-up. The sequel remained in development for more than a decade. What eventually reignited interest was the concept at the heart of Jesse Wigutow’s screenplay: exploring artificial intelligence in the real world and life beyond the digital grid.

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