'Tron: Ares' wins N. America box office, but disappoints at $33.5 mn

Disney’s latest sci-fi sequel Tron: Ares debuted at the top of the North American box office this weekend, but its $33.5 million opening was considered underwhelming given its massive $180 million production budget, industry estimates showed Sunday.

“The movie was tracking well, but interest stalled during the last 10 days and the opening dropped,” said David A. Gross of Franchise Entertainment Research. “This is a weak opening for the third episode in a science fiction series.”

Starring Jared Leto, Greta Lee, and Evan Peters, Tron: Ares continues the cult franchise that began in 1982. The film follows humanity’s first direct encounter with artificial intelligence in the real world — a timely premise that many expected to resonate strongly with audiences. Despite solid visuals and strong brand recognition, analysts noted that the film’s performance highlights the challenge of reviving older franchises in a crowded marketplace.

Landing in second place was Roofman, a new Paramount release starring Channing Tatum as a former soldier-turned-thief who escapes from prison and hides out in a toy store. Co-starring Kirsten Dunst, the film earned $8 million in its debut weekend. Critics have praised its blend of dark humor and suspense, which helped it outperform modest expectations.

In third place was One Battle After Another, the latest film from acclaimed director Paul Thomas Anderson. The action thriller, which earned $6.7 million, stars Leonardo DiCaprio as a washed-up far-left revolutionary drawn back into conflict to save his daughter. Sean Penn co-stars as his ruthless military rival, with Benicio del Toro, Teyana Taylor, and Regina Hall rounding out the ensemble. The film, loosely inspired by Thomas Pynchon’s novel Vineland, is already generating early Oscar buzz for both DiCaprio and Penn.

Meanwhile, Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie, a live-action and animation hybrid based on the hit Netflix children’s series, held steady in fourth place with $3.4 million.

Rounding out the top five was Soul on Fire, which brought in $3.1 million. Based on a true story, it follows a man who overcomes devastating childhood burns to become a motivational speaker.

The rest of the top 10 included The Conjuring: Last Rites ($2.9 million), Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle ($2.3 million), The Smashing Machine ($1.8 million), The Strangers: Chapter 2 ($1.6 million), and Good Boy ($1.4 million).