Jeff Bridges Defends Tron: Ares After Its Slow Start at the Box Office
The Oscar-winning actor says movies often find new appreciation over time, comparing Tron: Ares’ reception to Heaven’s Gate, once deemed a flop but later hailed as a masterpiece.
Jeff Bridges is standing by Tron: Ares despite the film’s underwhelming box office debut. Reprising his iconic role as Kevin Flynn, Bridges spoke about the unpredictable nature of how audiences judge movies after their opening weekend.
Released on October 10, 2025, Tron: Ares earned $33.5 million domestically and $60.5 million worldwide in its opening weekend — lower than initial projections of $40–45 million in the U.S. and $80–90 million globally. With a massive production budget of around $220 million, industry reports suggest that if the film’s worldwide gross stops near $160 million, it could face losses of over $130 million.
But Bridges isn’t disheartened. Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, he said, “It’s interesting how movies are received at opening weekend. I remember Heaven’s Gate was considered very disappointing, a flop even, but nowadays it’s seen as kind of a masterpiece.” He added that opinions about art can change dramatically over time, noting, “Sometimes I don’t like a movie when I first see it, and months later, I’ll revisit it and think, ‘What was I thinking?’ As the Dude would say, ‘That’s just like your opinion, man.’”
Bridges’ comparison to Heaven’s Gate is telling. The 1980 Michael Cimino epic cost $44 million but earned only $3.5 million in its initial run, becoming one of Hollywood’s biggest financial failures. However, in the decades since, it has been reevaluated by critics and is now regarded as a misunderstood work of ambition and vision.
Despite the rough start, Tron: Ares has plenty working in its favor. The film, directed by Joachim Rønning, continues the legacy of the Tron franchise, combining stunning visuals with philosophical undertones about technology and humanity. Alongside Bridges, the movie features an ensemble cast including Jared Leto, Greta Lee, Evan Peters, Jodie Turner-Smith, Hasan Minhaj, Arturo Castro, and Gillian Anderson.
Producers have also emphasized that Bridges’ involvement was non-negotiable — calling him “the heart of the franchise.” His presence, along with the film’s growing online fan discussions and streaming buzz, could help Tron: Ares find its footing in the months ahead.
Bridges’ optimism serves as a reminder that box office numbers don’t always define a movie’s legacy — sometimes, it just takes time for audiences to catch up.
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