Tron: Ares has faced a disappointing opening weekend at the box office, accumulating just $33.5 million in North America and $27 million internationally, totaling $60.5 million worldwide. With a hefty production budget of $180 million, Disney's hopes of rebooting the Tron franchise seem to be waning, especially given the film's struggle to surpass the domestic numbers of Jared Leto's previous film, Morbius. Compared to its predecessor, Tron: Legacy, which earned $409.9 million globally, the future of Tron: Ares now appears uncertain as it prepares to open in the larger Chinese market next weekend. Critics have been less than favorable, with IGN rating the film a mere 5/10, stating that it fails to capture the essence of the original.

What does the disappointing box office performance of Tron: Ares mean for the future of the franchise?

The poor box office results may spell trouble for future installments of the Tron franchise, as Disney could reconsider its plans for additional sequels if Tron: Ares does not show significant recovery in the coming weeks.

The Tron franchise began with the original 1982 film that became a cult classic, notable for its groundbreaking visual effects and digital themes. Tron: Legacy, released in 2010, further explored this universe and inspired a resurgence in interest, leading to hopes that Tron: Ares would rejuvenate the series. However, the underwhelming response to the latest installment raises critical questions about the viability of further films in the series.