Tron fans, get ready for an electrifying return to the digital frontier in 2025. The much-anticipated sequel, Tron: Ares, is slated to hit theaters this October, marking a thrilling resurgence for the franchise after years of silence. This third installment introduces Jared Leto as Ares, a program embarking on a mysterious and high-stakes mission from the digital world into reality.
But is Ares truly a sequel? Visually, it echoes the sleek aesthetics of 2010's Tron: Legacy, as confirmed by the newly released trailer. The shift from Daft Punk to Nine Inch Nails for the soundtrack suggests the franchise's commitment to its signature electronica vibe remains strong. However, Ares appears to diverge from a direct continuation, leaning more towards a soft reboot. The absence of key characters from Legacy—notably Garrett Hedlund's Sam Flynn and Olivia Wilde's Quorra—raises questions about the narrative continuity.
TRON: Ares Images
2 ImagesGarrett Hedlund’s Sam Flynn & Olivia Wilde’s Quorra
Tron: Legacy focused on the intertwined journeys of Sam Flynn and Quorra. Sam, the son of Kevin Flynn (Jeff Bridges), the vanished CEO of Encom, ventured into The Grid to rescue his father and thwart CLU's plan to invade the real world. Alongside his father, Sam met Quorra, an ISO—a spontaneously generated digital lifeform symbolizing the wonders of digital existence. Their adventure concluded with Sam defeating CLU and bringing Quorra into the real world, setting the stage for a sequel where Sam would embrace his role at Encom and champion open-source technology.
Despite this setup, neither Hedlund nor Wilde are returning for Tron: Ares. This decision might reflect Disney's strategy to steer the franchise in a new direction, especially considering Legacy's $409.9 million global box office haul against a $170 million budget. Disney may have deemed a direct continuation less appealing after Legacy's performance, similar to other underwhelming projects like John Carter and The Lone Ranger.
The omission of Sam and Quorra leaves significant gaps in the narrative. Their absence begs questions about their fates and the direction of Encom. We hope Ares will at least acknowledge their impact on the franchise, perhaps through subtle references or unexpected cameos.
Cillian Murphy’s Edward Dillinger, Jr. ---------------------------------------The absence of Cillian Murphy, who played Edward Dillinger, Jr., in a brief cameo in Legacy, is equally puzzling. His character was poised to become a central antagonist in a future installment, potentially reviving the Master Control Program (MCP) from the original Tron. The Ares trailer hints at the MCP's return, with the red highlights marking Ares and his allies. Yet, Dillinger's absence is notable, especially with Gillian Anderson's new character taking a prominent role at Encom. However, Evan Peters' character, Julian Dillinger, suggests the family's continued involvement in the story, leaving room for Murphy's possible return.
Bruce Boxleitner’s Tron
Perhaps the most surprising exclusion is Bruce Boxleitner, the original Tron. His dual roles as Alan Bradley and the security program Tron in the first film, and his reprise as Alan in Legacy, where Tron was revealed to be the reprogrammed Rinzler, make his absence from Ares notable. The film's direction without its iconic hero raises questions about whether Tron has been recast or if his story will be addressed in some way. We hope Ares will honor Tron's legacy and explore his redemption arc.
Why Is Jeff Bridges in Tron: Ares? ----------------------------------The inclusion of Jeff Bridges, whose characters Kevin Flynn and CLU were seemingly killed off in Legacy, adds another layer of intrigue. His voice in the Ares trailer suggests a possible return, though it's unclear whether he's playing Flynn, CLU, or a new iteration. This raises questions about digital resurrection or Flynn's potential transcendence into The Grid. The film's narrative will likely clarify Ares' relationship with Flynn/CLU and the MCP, but the decision to bring back Bridges while sidelining other key characters from Legacy is perplexing.
Despite these narrative puzzles, the promise of a fresh take on the Tron universe, coupled with Nine Inch Nails' electrifying score, keeps fans eagerly anticipating Tron: Ares. As we await more details, the excitement for this new chapter in the digital saga continues to build.
