Jared Leto’sTron: Aresbuilt up hype to be a box office success as the latest installment in the movie franchise. Despite its promising storyline, cast, and visuals, the movie ultimately flopped. Jeff Bridges, who returned in his original role, reflected on the underwhelming response to Tron: Ares.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Bridges was surprised to realize the 2025 movie was his first movie in six years. While calling he movie “a lot of fun” and being able to return to the Grid, he admits the logistics behind box office numbers is something he doesn’t know much about.
“That’s not really my wheelhouse. [Laughs] I don’t really know about that. It’s interesting, though, how movies are received at opening weekend,” he said.
Tron: Ares had $180 to $220 million budget thanks to its impressive cast, production, special effects, and more. Many thought the movie would bring in enough to offset its cost, but ultimately only made $124 million total.
It was projected to gross $45-50 million in its opening weekend on Oct. 10 in the U.S. and Canada. The movie didn’t meet expectations with $33.24 million.
Despite its less-than-desirable box office numbers, Bridges reveals that movies can make a comeback despite their poor initial reception.
“I remember Heaven’s Gate was considered, you know, very disappointing or a flop, but nowadays it’s considered kind of a masterpiece,” he said.
He even reveals the 1980 epic Western movie will get a special screening of the director’s cut next month and calls it “interesting how things can grow on you.” Heaven’s Gate only made $3.5 million at the box office compared to its $44 million budget.
Like most cult classics, Bridges thinks movies that are considered flops end up being appreciated after rewatching.
“Even as an individual, often, I have not liked a movie. And then a couple weeks or months later, I’ll see it again. I’ll say, ‘What was I thinking?’ [Laughs] As the Dude would say, ‘That’s just like your opinion, man,'” he said.
