Jeff Bridges Defends Tron: Ares Amid Underwhelming $60M Global Debut

Jeff Bridges, who reprised his role as Kevin Flynn in "Tron: Ares," has responded to the film's underwhelming box office performance by emphasizing that initial weekend grosses do not necessarily define a movie's success or legacy. Despite "Tron: Ares" earning $33.5 million domestically and $60.5 million globally at its opening—below expectations and short of covering its $180 million budget—Bridges pointed to historical examples like "Heaven's Gate," which was initially deemed a flop but later gained recognition as a masterpiece. He shared how personal opinions on films can evolve over time, referencing his own changing views and quoting his "Big Lebowski" character, the Dude: "That's just like, your opinion, man." Industry analysts noted that "Tron: Ares" struggled to attract a broad audience, partly because it lacked clear unique appeal compared to prior franchise entries. Bridges also reflected on his broader career, including his recent return to acting after health challenges and his work on a T-Mobile commercial, underscoring his ongoing engagement with diverse projects. Overall, Bridges advocates for a more patient appreciation of films beyond their opening weekend results, suggesting that some movies grow on audiences with time.