Tron: Ares - A Puzzling Sequel Unveiled

Tron enthusiasts have plenty to look forward to in 2025 as the franchise gears up for a theatrical comeback with "Tron: Ares," set to premiere this October. This sequel features Jared Leto as Ares, a program embarking on a high-stakes mission from the digital world into reality. But can we truly label Ares as a direct sequel?

Visually, "Tron: Ares" remains firmly rooted in the aesthetic established by 2010's "Tron: Legacy." The newly released trailer showcases this connection, while the shift from Daft Punk to Nine Inch Nails for the soundtrack ensures the electronica vibe remains as pulsating as ever. However, there are indications that "Ares" might be more of a soft reboot than a straightforward continuation.

Notably absent from "Ares" are key characters from "Legacy," such as Garrett Hedlund's Sam Flynn and Olivia Wilde's Quorra. Their absence raises questions about the narrative direction of the new film. Why aren't these pivotal figures returning? Moreover, why is Jeff Bridges, a veteran of the Tron series, the only confirmed cast member from "Legacy"? Let's delve deeper into how "Legacy" set up its sequel and why "Ares" seems to sidestep this groundwork.

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, son of Kevin Flynn (played by Jeff Bridges), enters The Grid to rescue his father and thwart CLU, Kevin's digital creation, from invading the real world. Alongside his father, Sam encounters Quorra, an ISO—a spontaneously generated digital lifeform. Quorra represents the potential for life within a computer simulation, and by the film's end, Sam brings her to the real world, transformed into a flesh-and-blood being.

"Legacy" concluded with a clear path for a sequel, with Sam poised to lead Encom towards a more open-source future, and Quorra symbolizing the wonders of the digital realm. The home video release even included a short film, "Tron: The Next Day," which depicted Sam's initial steps in transforming Encom.

Yet, neither Hedlund nor Wilde are set to return for "Tron: Ares." This decision might stem from "Legacy's" box office performance, which, despite earning $409.9 million globally on a $170 million budget, didn't meet Disney's expectations. Disney may have chosen to steer the franchise in a new direction, similar to adjustments made with other films like "John Carter" and "The Lone Ranger." Nonetheless, the absence of Sam and Quorra leaves a significant gap in the narrative. It's hoped that "Ares" will at least acknowledge their legacy, if not bring them back in surprise roles.

The absence of Cillian Murphy's Edward Dillinger, Jr., from "Ares" is equally puzzling. In "Legacy," Murphy briefly appeared in an uncredited role as the son of the original Tron's antagonist, hinting at a larger role in future installments. Dillinger, Jr., was set up as a key adversary to Sam's open-source vision, likely to become the main human antagonist in a sequel, potentially alongside the return of the Master Control Program (MCP).

The "Tron: Ares" trailer suggests the MCP's return, indicated by the red highlights on Ares and his allies, reminiscent of the MCP's signature color. This hints at a darker mission for Ares, though his role as hero or villain remains ambiguous. Yet, without Dillinger, Jr., and with Gillian Anderson's new character taking the spotlight at Encom, the narrative seems to diverge significantly. However, Evan Peters is set to play Julian Dillinger, keeping the family name in the mix, and there's a chance Murphy might return in a surprise role.

Bruce Boxleitner’s Tron

Perhaps the most striking omission is Bruce Boxleitner, the actor behind both Alan Bradley and the titular Tron. His absence raises questions about the film's direction, especially since "Legacy" left Tron's fate open-ended with his character Rinzler falling into the Sea of Simulation. "Ares" needs to address Tron's legacy, possibly through recasting or another creative approach, like the role played by Cameron Monaghan.

The announcement of Jeff Bridges returning to "Tron: Ares" is particularly intriguing, given that his characters, Kevin Flynn and CLU, were seemingly killed off in "Legacy." In the trailer, we hear Bridges' voice, but it's unclear whether he's reprising Flynn, CLU, or perhaps a new digital form. This mystery adds an exciting layer to "Ares," but it also underscores the film's deviation from "Legacy's" established narrative by resurrecting Bridges' character while sidelining other key survivors.

As we eagerly await "Tron: Ares," the film's intriguing yet perplexing approach to the franchise's continuity leaves us with more questions than answers. However, the promise of a new storyline, coupled with the iconic electronica score now provided by Nine Inch Nails, ensures that the excitement for this new chapter in the Tron saga remains high.