Theater counts: Tron: Ares lights up 4,000 theaters across North America

October 9, 2025

It was all Taylor Swift at the weekend box office as the pop sensation ruled the big screen by taking in just over $34 million during its three-day run and keeping One Battle After Another from repeating as the number one film in the land. This weekend proves to be another intriguing weekend in theaters as four new wide releases make their cinematic launch, including the highly anticipated Tron: Ares, which is set to lead the way, opening in 4,000 locations.

Tron: Ares centers on a highly advanced digital program named Ares, who is sent from the virtual realm into the real world on a perilous mission, marking humanity’s first contact with a sentient A.I. being. The sci-fi action epic features an all-star cast led by Jared Leto as Ares, a super-intelligent entity torn between his programmed directives and the emergence of emotions and self-awareness. This film marks the third installment in the Tron franchise, following 1982’s Tron and 2010’s Tron: Legacy, which together have grossed $426 million worldwide, with Tron: Legacy accounting for over $400 million of that total. The film is directed by Joachim Rønning, known for 2024’s Young Woman and the Sea.

Also opening in wide release this weekend is the Channing Tatum comedy, Roofman. Based on a true story, the film follows Jeffrey Manchester, a former Army Ranger and struggling father who turns to robbing McDonald’s restaurants by cutting holes in their roofs, earning him the nickname “Roofman”. After escaping prison, he secretly lives inside a Toys “R” Us for six months, surviving undetected while planning his next move. But when he falls for Leigh, a divorced mom drawn to his undeniable charm, his double life begins to unravel, setting off a compelling and suspenseful game of cat and mouse as his past closes in. Kirsten Dunst, LaKeith Stanfield, and Peter Dinklage also star in the Derek Cianfrance-directed film. Roofman will start out in 3,362 theaters and will be distributed by Paramount Pictures as part of their first-look deal with Miramax.

Beginning its theatrical run in 1,720 venues is the biographical drama, Soul on Fire. The movie charts the life of St. Louis native John O’Leary, who, at only 9, suffers a tragic accident and is burned over nearly his entire body after playing with gasoline and matches. He’s given less than a 1% chance of surviving. The film follows John’s long, painful journey back: months in the hospital, rebuilding his body and spirit, and coming to terms with the trauma. Through the unwavering support of his family, faith, and community, and the encouragement of heroes like announcer Jack Buck, John gradually discovers what it means not just to survive, but to live a meaningful, purpose-driven life.

Making its way into 1,330 theaters this weekend is the musical drama Kiss of the Spider Woman. The film is based on the stage musical, which is in turn based on the 1976 novel by Manuel Puig. Set in 1980s Argentina, the film follows Valentín, a political prisoner, who shares a cell with Molina, a window dresser convicted of public indecency. The two form an unlikely bond as Molina recounts the plot of a Hollywood musical starring his favorite silver screen diva, Ingrid Luna. Kiss of the Spider Woman will launch in 1,330 movie houses.

Looking ahead to next weekend, we see another bounty of wide releases making their arrival into theaters. These include the horror sequel, Black Phone 2, and the comedy, Good Fortune, starring Keanu Reeves. Those films are projected to debut in approximately 3,200 and 2,700 theaters, respectively. Other films making their start next weekend are Pets on a Train, and Truth & Treason, as well as St. Elmo’s Fire, with the latter hitting theaters for its 40th anniversary.

Filed under: Theater Counts, Tron, Peter Dinklage, Kirsten Dunst, Jared Leto, Channing Tatum, Derek Cianfrance, Joachim Roenning, Lakeith Lee Stanfield