TRON: Ares Flops as Disney’s 2025 Box Office Dud

It’s been a rollercoaster of a year for Disney, with the studio copping a few knocks at the box office before finding its feet again. Early on, punters weren’t exactly lining up for Captain America: Brave New World or Snow White, both of which struggled to pull in the crowds. But things took a sharp turn when the live-action Lilo & Stitch remake hit cinemas, smashing expectations and raking in over a billion dollars worldwide. That flick gave Disney a much-needed win, and locals were quick to jump on the bandwagon.

Mixed Fortunes at the Box Office

While Lilo & Stitch was a runaway success, not every release managed to hit the mark. Zootopia 2 is still in cinemas and looks set to bring in similar numbers, but the year hasn’t been all smooth sailing. A handful of other titles barely scraped past the $200 million mark, leaving the studio with more than a few headaches. It’s clear that not every big-budget project is a guaranteed hit, no matter how much hype is drummed up in the lead-up.

TRON: Ares Misses the Mark

As 2025 draws to a close, the numbers are in, and the studio’s biggest disappointment has been confirmed. The much-anticipated sci-fi sequel TRON: Ares failed to connect with audiences, falling well short of expectations and earning the dubious honour of being Disney’s lowest earner for the year. Despite a hefty promo push and plenty of buzz, the film just didn’t manage to get bums on seats, leaving execs scratching their heads about what went wrong.

Looking Ahead

With the year wrapping up, Disney will no doubt be taking a hard look at what worked and what didn’t. While some films soared, others barely got off the ground, proving that even the biggest names in the business can’t always predict what’ll strike a chord with Aussie audiences. The House of Mouse will be hoping for a bit more luck next time round, but for now, TRON: Ares stands as a reminder that not every gamble pays off.