The highly anticipated 'Tron: Ares' has stumbled at the box office, grossing $60.5 million globally, despite Disney's extensive promotional efforts. This underperformance is surprising, especially considering the film's impressive critical and audience reception in certain regions, outperforming its predecessor, 'Tron: Legacy'.
But here's where it gets interesting: while the film struggled to gain traction in some markets, it dominated in others. Latin America, Spain, the UK, Australia, and Hong Kong embraced the film, claiming the No. 1 spot. However, local films are giving it a run for its money in Germany and Korea, showcasing the power of homegrown cinema.
And this is the part most people miss: the film's success isn't solely measured by its opening weekend. With strong PLF uptake and the absence of significant competition for the next few weeks, 'Tron: Ares' has the potential for a solid box office run.
Meanwhile, Warner Bros' 'One Battle After Another' continues to impress, holding strong in various markets with minimal drops in revenue. This film's longevity is a testament to its appeal.
Universal's 'Gabby's Dollhouse: The Movie' is also making waves, adding significant revenue to its global total. And the anime sensation, 'Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle', has soared to the top, becoming the fifth highest-grossing film worldwide in 2025. This achievement is a testament to the global appeal of anime, surpassing even iconic films like 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon' in North America.
But the question remains: can 'Tron: Ares' recover from its slow start and join the ranks of the billion-dollar box office club? The coming weeks will be crucial, and the film's performance in China, set to release on October 17, could be the turning point. Will it be a comeback story or a cautionary tale? The box office saga continues...