Jared Leto’s Daring Stunt at the London Premiere of Tron: Ares Falls Flat at the Box Office
At the London premiere of Tron: Ares on October 1, Jared Leto made a dramatic entrance, donning a striking red raincoat over a crisp white suit while perched 30 feet above Piccadilly Circus. Channeling the vibe of an intergalactic ruler, Leto aimed to generate buzz for his latest film. However, the spectacle, typical of Leto’s grand promotional style, failed to attract audiences to theaters, resulting in disappointing box office numbers.
Despite the hype, Tron: Ares experienced a significant setback, grossing only $33.2 million from 4,000 theaters, well below its projected opening of $10 million. With an estimated production budget exceeding $180 million, the film struggled to find its footing. Internationally, it fared poorly as well, earning just $27 million for a global total of $60.2 million. Concerns from Disney executives about attracting only hardcore fans proved valid, as the target demographic of 18- to 24-year-old males showed a notable lack of interest. Alongside a lukewarm B+ CinemaScore, insiders predict that Tron: Ares may soon leave the big screen for good.
Leto’s penchant for theatrical promotion is well-documented. From scaling the Empire State Building to promote his band 30 Seconds to Mars to his intense dedication to his roles, he has a long history of spectacle. However, recent allegations reported by Air Mail concerning inappropriate conduct may overshadow his promotional efforts. Although Leto’s team has denied these claims, the uncertainty left Disney executives on edge. Nevertheless, Leto continued his global promotional tour, maintaining a professional demeanor while serving as the face of the Tron: Ares campaign. Reports indicate that he earned a substantial payday for his role, alongside a significant producing fee.
Looking ahead, Leto will portray Skeletor in the upcoming Masters of the Universe film from MGM/Mattel. This could prove to be a pivotal moment in his career, as he takes on the iconic villain known for balancing menace and camp.
However, the days when Leto could single-handedly push a project through development may be waning. Initially envisioned as a straightforward sequel to 2010’s Tron: Legacy, which grossed $400 million against a $170 million budget, Ares underwent several changes before Leto’s persistence helped reshape it into a vehicle for his character. Even with a powerful ally like Sean Bailey at Disney, Leto’s star power is now being questioned.
With the disappointment of Ares, industry insiders suggest that Leto’s standing may have diminished. Following the underwhelming performance of Morbius, which opened to $39 million domestically and grossed $167 million worldwide, studios may hesitate to cast him as a leading man. As one talent manager noted, in a market where established actors are struggling to secure roles, Leto’s recent box office failures raise concerns about his viability as a star.
Ultimately, the lackluster reception of Tron: Ares isn’t solely Leto’s responsibility. As one agency partner pointed out, even a different actor might not have changed the film’s fate. The reality is that there was minimal demand for this reboot, and no amount of star power could alter that perception.
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