Tron: Ares: A Sequel That Puzzles Fans

Tron fans have plenty to celebrate in 2025 as the iconic franchise makes a thrilling return to the big screen with "Tron: Ares" slated for release this October. This third installment in the series features Jared Leto stepping into the role of Ares, a program embarking on a high-stakes and enigmatic mission into the real world.

Although "Tron: Ares" shares visual cues with its predecessor, "Tron: Legacy" from 2010, as evident from the newly released trailer, it's not a straightforward sequel. The shift from Daft Punk to Nine Inch Nails for the electronica-heavy score underscores the franchise's continued commitment to immersive auditory experiences.

Yet, "Ares" appears to lean more towards a soft reboot than a direct continuation of "Legacy." Notably absent are the characters from "Legacy" such as Garrett Hedlund's Sam Flynn and Olivia Wilde's Quorra. Even Jeff Bridges, a veteran from the Tron series, is the only confirmed returning cast member, sparking curiosity about how "Ares" will navigate the narrative path laid out by "Legacy."

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 CEO of Encom who vanished in 1989, delves into The Grid to rescue his father and thwart CLU's plan to invade the real world with a digital army. Sam's reunion with Kevin also introduces him to Quorra, an ISO—a spontaneous digital lifeform. Their adventure culminates in Sam's victory over CLU, returning to the real world with Quorra, now a flesh-and-blood being.

"Legacy" set the stage for a sequel with Sam ready to lead Encom towards a more open-source future, supported by Quorra's presence as a testament to the digital realm's potential. However, neither Hedlund nor Wilde are returning for "Tron: Ares," raising questions about their characters' fates and the direction Disney is taking with the franchise.

Despite "Legacy" earning $409.9 million globally on a $170 million budget, it fell short of Disney's expectations. This might have influenced the decision to pivot away from a direct follow-up. Yet, Sam and Quorra's significant roles in the Tron narrative make their absence a notable gap, prompting hopes that "Ares" will at least acknowledge their impact, if not feature them in surprise cameos.

The absence of Cillian Murphy, who portrayed Edward Dillinger, Jr., in a brief role in "Legacy," is equally puzzling. Dillinger, Jr., was set up as a major adversary to Sam's vision for Encom, hinting at a larger role in subsequent films. His potential connection to the Master Control Program (MCP) adds intrigue, especially with hints in the "Tron: Ares" trailer suggesting the MCP's involvement. The introduction of Evan Peters as Julian Dillinger hints at the family's continued relevance, though Murphy's return remains uncertain.

Bruce Boxleitner’s Tron

Perhaps the most striking omission is Bruce Boxleitner, who originated the roles of Alan Bradley and Tron. His absence from "Ares" is perplexing, particularly since the film carries the Tron name. The character of Tron, last seen regaining his heroic essence after being reprogrammed as Rinzler, deserves a resolution. The potential recasting of Tron with a younger actor, such as Cameron Monaghan, adds another layer of mystery to the film's narrative direction.

The return of Jeff Bridges to the Tron universe is another intriguing aspect of "Ares." Despite his characters being killed off in "Legacy," his voice is heard in the trailer, suggesting either a revival of Kevin Flynn or a new iteration of CLU. The mystery surrounding his role adds to the anticipation for how "Ares" will address the legacy of "Legacy" while charting its own course.

Overall, "Tron: Ares" promises a blend of nostalgia and innovation, with the Nine Inch Nails score adding to the excitement. As fans eagerly await its release, the film's approach to the Tron legacy remains a captivating puzzle, poised to redefine the franchise's future.