Disney’s ‘Tron: Ares’ tops weekend box office with $33.5 million on a $150 million budget

Despite some positive reviews – including A Three out of four stars, one from the Associated Press – Starring in the new movie “Tron”. Jared Leto, Greta Lee and Jeff Bridges It earned $33.5 million, according to Comscore estimates Sunday. The big-budget project, which cost about $150 million, arrives 15 years after “Tron: Legacy” opened with $44 million before grossing more than $400 million worldwide.

The final chapter follows a battle between two technology powerhouses, Emcom and Dillinger, who face the same artificial intelligence barrier. Both can create physical creations using laser-based 3D printers, but each creation only lasts 29 minutes before crumbling into ash.

“Tron: Ares” was packed with action and nostalgia, but it wasn’t enough to draw big numbers across more than 4,000 theaters.

“It’s been difficult for this franchise to gain traction and become a mega franchise,” said Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst at Comscore. He noted that the original 1982 film “Tron” initially struggled at the box office, but eventually gained great popularity.

Dergarabedian said international numbers could play a major role in a film’s profitability.

“It’s still topping the box office,” he said. “A specific release date has been chosen. All eyes are on a major Disney film that represents a huge, well-known brand that has been around for decades.”

It wasn’t the only new release that struggled to connect.

“roof man” Who shined Channing Tatum And Kirsten Dunst in the labor drama about a construction worker trying to rebuild his life, which opened in second place with a modest debut of $8 million.

Paul Thomas Anderson “Battle after battle” It came in third place with $6.6 million. ““Gabby’s Doll’s House: The Movie” It settled in fourth place with $3.3 million. the Netflix And the DreamWorks Family Edition — based on the popular preschool series — continues to do well with younger audiences in its third weekend.

In fifth place, “Soul on Fire” appeared, earning $3 million. The faith-based drama tells the true story of burn survivor and motivational speaker John O’Leary, and features performances from Joel Courtney, William H. Macy, and John Corbett.

“Sorcery: The Last Rites” It followed with $2.9 million, marking another steady entry at Warner Bros. Long-running horror franchise.

At seven, “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinite Castle” It brought in $2.2 million, continuing the anime series’ strong theatrical momentum worldwide.

“smashing machine” Starring Dwayne Johnson as UFC legend Mark Kerr, it added $1.7 million in eighth place.

Rounding out the top ten was “Strangers: Chapter Two” with $1.5 million and “Good Boy” with $1.3 million.

After having two big weekends last month, the box office took a hit in October — a month Dergarabedian calls the bridge month between the summer and holiday movie seasons. He said this month is perfect for films like “The Smashing Machine” and “After the Hunt,” which will be released on October 17, to shine in their own way.

“If you’re a movie fan, especially indie, art house and awards season, this is a great month,” he said. “Moviegoers have to accept the selective offerings on the big screen.”

Top 10 films at the domestic box office

With final domestic numbers released Monday, this list takes into account estimated Friday-Sunday ticket sales at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Comscore:

1. “Tron: Ares,” $33.5 million

2. “Roofman,” $8 million.

3. “One Battle After Another,” $6.6 million.

4. “Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie,” $3.3 million.

5. “Soul on Fire,” $3 million.

6. “The Conjuring: Last Rites,” $2.9 million.

7. “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle,” $2.2 million.

8. “The Smashing Machine,” $1.7 million.

9. “Strangers: Chapter Two,” $1.5 million.

10. “Good Boy,” $1.3 million.