Tron enthusiasts have plenty to celebrate in 2025, as the beloved franchise is set to make a thrilling return to the big screen this October with a new installment titled "Tron: Ares." This third installment in the series features Jared Leto in the titular role of Ares, a program embarking on a high-stakes and mysterious mission from the digital world to the real one.
While "Tron: Ares" may visually resonate with the aesthetics of 2010's "Tron: Legacy," as evident from the newly released trailer, the question of whether it truly serves as a sequel remains. The shift from Daft Punk's iconic score to Nine Inch Nails underscores the continued emphasis on electronica, yet the narrative direction suggests a different path.
Rather than a direct sequel, "Tron: Ares" appears to be leaning more towards a soft reboot. Key characters from "Tron: Legacy" like Garrett Hedlund's Sam Flynn and Olivia Wilde's Quorra are noticeably absent. Even Jeff Bridges, a veteran of the franchise, is the only confirmed returning actor, raising questions about continuity. Let's delve into how "Tron: Legacy" laid the groundwork for a sequel and why "Tron: Ares" seems to diverge from that path.
TRON: Ares Images
2 ImagesGarrett Hedlund’s Sam Flynn & Olivia Wilde’s Quorra
"Tron: Legacy" focused on the journey of Sam Flynn, the son of Kevin Flynn (Jeff Bridges), and Quorra, a unique digital being known as an ISO. Sam's mission was to rescue his father from The Grid, a digital realm, and thwart the ambitions of CLU, Kevin's creation turned adversary. Their adventure culminated with Sam returning to the real world with Quorra, setting the stage for a sequel where Sam would lead Encom towards an open-source future, supported by Quorra's existence as proof of digital life's potential.
Despite this clear setup, neither Hedlund nor Wilde are returning for "Tron: Ares." The decision might stem from "Tron: Legacy's" box office performance, which, while successful, did not meet Disney's expectations, grossing $409.9 million against a $170 million budget. This could have prompted Disney to take a new direction with "Tron: Ares," opting for a standalone story. However, the absence of Sam and Quorra raises questions about their fate and the continuity of the franchise.
Cillian Murphy’s Edward Dillinger, Jr. ---------------------------------------Another surprising absence is Cillian Murphy's Edward Dillinger, Jr., introduced in "Tron: Legacy" as a potential antagonist in future installments. His brief appearance hinted at a larger role that never materialized in "Tron: Ares." The trailer suggests the return of the Master Control Program (MCP), indicated by the red highlights on Ares and other programs, yet Dillinger's role is taken by a new character played by Gillian Anderson. Evan Peters, however, will play Julian Dillinger, keeping the family name in the mix, though the absence of Murphy's character remains puzzling.
Bruce Boxleitner’s Tron
Perhaps the most glaring omission is Bruce Boxleitner, who portrayed both Alan Bradley and the iconic program Tron. His character's fate was left open-ended in "Tron: Legacy," with Tron's identity being restored. The absence of Boxleitner in "Tron: Ares" is significant, especially considering the film's title. There's speculation about whether Tron's role might be recast, possibly with Cameron Monaghan taking on the mantle. Regardless, fans hope that "Tron: Ares" will address Tron's redemption and importance to the franchise.
Why Is Jeff Bridges in Tron: Ares? ----------------------------------The most intriguing aspect of "Tron: Ares" is the return of Jeff Bridges, whose characters, Kevin Flynn and CLU, were seemingly killed off in "Tron: Legacy." His voice in the trailer hints at a possible return of Flynn or CLU, raising questions about their survival or digital resurrection. This development, while exciting, leaves fans puzzled about the film's approach to continuity, especially with the exclusion of other key "Tron: Legacy" survivors.
"Tron: Ares" promises to bring new thrills and mysteries to the franchise, with its electronica score by Nine Inch Nails adding to the anticipation. However, the film's departure from the established narrative of "Tron: Legacy" leaves fans eager to see how these new elements will integrate with the beloved universe. Whether "Tron: Ares" will acknowledge the legacy characters or chart a completely new course remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the world of Tron is set to captivate audiences once again.
