Tron fans have plenty to celebrate in 2025 as the beloved franchise makes a thrilling return to the big screen this October with "Tron: Ares." This eagerly anticipated sequel features Jared Leto as the titular character, a program embarking on a mysterious and high-stakes mission into the real world.
But is "Ares" truly a sequel? Visually, the movie draws clear inspiration from 2010's "Tron: Legacy," as evident from the newly released trailer. With Nine Inch Nails replacing Daft Punk, the film maintains its signature electronica-heavy score. Yet, "Ares" appears to be more of a soft reboot than a direct follow-up. Key characters from "Legacy" are noticeably absent, including Garrett Hedlund and Olivia Wilde, raising questions about the continuity and direction of the franchise. Meanwhile, Jeff Bridges, a veteran of the Tron series, is confirmed to return, adding another layer of intrigue to the film's narrative.
TRON: Ares Images
2 ImagesGarrett Hedlund’s Sam Flynn & Olivia Wilde’s Quorra
"Tron: Legacy" centers on the intertwined journeys of Garrett Hedlund's Sam Flynn and Olivia Wilde's Quorra. Sam, the son of Jeff Bridges' character Kevin Flynn, ventures into The Grid to rescue his father and thwart CLU, Kevin's digital creation, from invading the real world. During his quest, Sam encounters Quorra, an ISO—a digital lifeform—and together, they defeat CLU, returning to the real world with Quorra now in human form.
The ending of "Legacy" sets a clear stage for a sequel, with Sam poised to lead Encom into a more transparent future, supported by Quorra's presence as a symbol of digital marvels. The home video release even included "Tron: The Next Day," a short film showing Sam's new direction at Encom. However, "Tron: Ares" appears to sidestep this setup, with neither Hedlund nor Wilde reprising their roles. Disney's decision to pivot might stem from "Legacy's" $409.9 million worldwide gross against a $170 million budget, which, while not a failure, didn't meet the studio's blockbuster expectations.
The absence of Sam and Quorra leaves a significant gap in the narrative. Are we to believe Sam abandoned his mission at Encom? Did Quorra return to The Grid? "Ares" needs to address these characters' legacy to maintain the franchise's continuity, even if through subtle nods or cameo appearances.
Cillian Murphy’s Edward Dillinger, Jr. ---------------------------------------The absence of Cillian Murphy from "Ares" is equally puzzling. In "Legacy," he briefly appeared as Edward Dillinger, Jr., poised to become a significant antagonist in future installments. His character, a nod to his father's role in the original "Tron," was set up to oppose Sam's vision for Encom, possibly aligning with the return of the Master Control Program (MCP). While "Ares" hints at the MCP's involvement with its red highlights, Dillinger's absence remains unexplained. Evan Peters, however, joins the cast as Julian Dillinger, suggesting the family's ongoing involvement in the story.
Bruce Boxleitner’s Tron
The most surprising omission from "Tron: Ares" is Bruce Boxleitner, who played both Alan Bradley and the iconic Tron. His character's fate in "Legacy" left room for redemption, yet Boxleitner is not returning for "Ares." This raises questions about the film's direction and whether Tron's legacy will be honored, possibly through a recast or a new storyline.
Why Is Jeff Bridges in Tron: Ares? ----------------------------------The return of Jeff Bridges to "Tron: Ares" is particularly intriguing, given that both his characters, Kevin Flynn and CLU, died in "Legacy." His voice in the trailer hints at his involvement, but whether he plays a resurrected Flynn, a surviving CLU, or a new iteration remains a mystery. This choice to bring back Bridges while omitting key survivors from "Legacy" adds to the film's enigmatic nature.
As "Tron: Ares" promises to explore new territories within the franchise, it also leaves fans pondering the fate of beloved characters and the direction of the series. With a captivating score from Nine Inch Nails, the film is set to deliver a thrilling experience, even as it navigates the complex legacy of its predecessors.
