Hold onto your VR headsets, Bay Area tech enthusiasts - Disney just dropped another sci-fi bomb that’s more of a whimper than a bang. “Tron: Ares” limped into theaters this weekend, scoring the top box office spot but failing to impress with a measly $33.5 million opening.

When Tech Dreams Crash and Burn

The film, which reportedly cost a whopping $150 million, tells a story of two tech firms battling an AI barrier where laser-printed creations dramatically self-destruct after 29 minutes. Sound familiar, startup founders?

Hollywood’s Silicon Valley Syndrome

Jared Leto leads the cast in what seems like another attempt to make tech look sexy, but the numbers suggest audiences aren’t buying. The movie follows “Tron: Legacy” from 15 years ago, proving that sometimes nostalgia just isn’t enough to save a struggling franchise.

The Box Office Reality Check

With competition from indie darlings and faith-based dramas, “Tron: Ares” represents yet another reminder that big budgets don’t guarantee big returns. As box office analyst Paul Dergarabedian noted, this franchise has always struggled to find its footing - much like a first-time founder pitching to skeptical venture capitalists.