Tron fans have plenty to look forward to in 2025. After a long hiatus, the iconic franchise is set to return to the big screen with "Tron: Ares" this October. The eagerly anticipated sequel features Jared Leto in the lead role as Ares, a program who embarks on a mysterious and high-stakes mission from the digital world into reality. But does this installment truly qualify as a sequel?
Visually, "Tron: Ares" unmistakably echoes the aesthetics of 2010's "Tron: Legacy." The newly released trailer showcases this continuity, and with Nine Inch Nails replacing Daft Punk, the film retains its signature electronica-heavy score. Yet, in several significant ways, "Ares" seems to be leaning more towards a soft reboot rather than a direct continuation. Notably absent are key characters from "Legacy," such as Garrett Hedlund's Sam Flynn and Olivia Wilde's Quorra. The only returning actor from the previous film is Jeff Bridges, which raises questions about the narrative direction of "Ares."
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 (played by Jeff Bridges), CEO of Encom, ventures into The Grid to rescue his father and thwart CLU's plan to invade the real world. Alongside his father, Sam meets Quorra, an ISO—a digital lifeform representing new possibilities within The Grid. The film concludes with Sam defeating CLU and returning to reality with Quorra, now a living being.
The ending of "Legacy" set up a clear sequel trajectory, with Sam ready to take a more active role in Encom and promote an open-source future, while Quorra's presence symbolizes the potential of the digital realm. The home video release even included "Tron: The Next Day," a short film showing Sam's steps towards leading Encom.
Despite this setup, neither Hedlund nor Wilde are returning for "Tron: Ares," leaving fans to wonder about the fate of these pivotal characters. Disney's decision might stem from "Legacy's" underwhelming box office performance, which, while not a failure, did not meet expectations. With a worldwide gross of $409.9 million against a $170 million budget, Disney might be seeking a fresher, standalone approach with "Ares."
The absence of Sam and Quorra poses significant questions: Did Sam abandon his mission at Encom? Did Quorra return to The Grid? Their omission creates a narrative gap that "Ares" must address, ideally by at least acknowledging their legacy within the franchise.
Cillian Murphy’s Edward Dillinger, Jr. ---------------------------------------Another surprising absence from "Tron: Ares" is Cillian Murphy, whose character Edward Dillinger, Jr., was positioned for a larger role in future sequels. In "Legacy," Dillinger, Jr., appeared briefly but was clearly set up as a potential antagonist in the human world, akin to his father in the original "Tron." The "Ares" trailer suggests a return of the Master Control Program (MCP), yet Dillinger, Jr., is nowhere to be seen.
However, Evan Peters will play Julian Dillinger, hinting at the family's continued involvement. There's also a possibility that Murphy could return in a surprise role, given his uncredited appearance in "Legacy."
Bruce Boxleitner’s Tron
Perhaps the most perplexing omission is Bruce Boxleitner, the actor behind both Alan Bradley and the titular character, Tron. In "Legacy," Tron, reprogrammed as Rinzler, regained his heroic essence before disappearing into the Sea of Simulation. His absence from "Ares" raises concerns about the film's connection to its namesake. Is there a plan to recast Tron with a younger actor, such as Cameron Monaghan?
Given Tron's significant role and unresolved fate in "Legacy," "Ares" needs to address this character's arc and provide a sense of continuity or redemption.
Why Is Jeff Bridges in Tron: Ares? ----------------------------------The inclusion of Jeff Bridges in "Tron: Ares" is equally puzzling. Both of his characters—Kevin Flynn and CLU—met their end in "Legacy." Yet, Bridges' voice is heard in the trailer, suggesting his return in some form. Is he reprising a resurrected Kevin Flynn or a version of CLU? Could Flynn have achieved a form of digital immortality?
These mysteries will unfold in "Ares," alongside questions about Ares' allegiance and mission. While fans eagerly await the film, the absence of key "Legacy" characters and the inclusion of Bridges' characters without clear context leave many intrigued and slightly confused.
Nevertheless, the promise of a new Tron adventure, coupled with Nine Inch Nails' contribution to the soundtrack, keeps anticipation high.
