Tron: Ares: A Puzzling Sequel Revealed

Tron fans have plenty to celebrate in 2025 as the iconic franchise revs up for its return to the big screen with "Tron: Ares," set to premiere in October. This much-anticipated sequel features Jared Leto in the lead role as Ares, a program embarking on a thrilling, enigmatic mission from the digital world into reality.

While "Tron: Ares" undoubtedly shares the distinctive visual style of its predecessor, "Tron: Legacy," as evidenced by the newly released trailer, it also marks a shift in the series' narrative direction. The switch from Daft Punk to Nine Inch Nails for the score underscores the franchise's continued commitment to its signature electronica sound.

However, the question remains: is "Ares" truly a sequel? The absence of key characters from "Tron: Legacy" suggests it might lean more toward a soft reboot. Notably absent are Garrett Hedlund and Olivia Wilde, who portrayed Sam Flynn and Quorra, respectively. Their roles were pivotal in "Legacy," setting the stage for future stories. Meanwhile, Jeff Bridges, a veteran of the Tron series, is the only confirmed returning cast member, raising questions about the continuity of the franchise.

TRON: Ares Images

2 ImagesGarrett Hedlund’s Sam Flynn & Olivia Wilde’s Quorra

"Tron: Legacy" centered on the journey of Sam Flynn, the son of Kevin Flynn (played by Jeff Bridges), who ventured into The Grid to rescue his father and thwart CLU's plans to invade the real world. Alongside Sam, Quorra, an ISO—a spontaneous digital lifeform—played a crucial role, ultimately transitioning to the real world as a flesh-and-blood being.

The film's conclusion promised a sequel with Sam ready to lead Encom towards a more open-source future and Quorra by his side. Yet, neither Hedlund nor Wilde are returning for "Tron: Ares," which is surprising given their central roles. "Legacy" did not perform as expected at the box office, grossing $409.9 million against a $170 million budget, which might have influenced Disney's decision to pivot the franchise in a new direction.

The absence of Sam and Quorra leaves a significant gap in the narrative. Fans are left wondering whether their stories were abandoned or if "Ares" will somehow address their fates, perhaps through subtle references or unexpected cameos.

Another notable absence from "Tron: Ares" is Cillian Murphy's Edward Dillinger, Jr., who appeared briefly in "Legacy" and was set up for a larger role in future installments. As the head of Encom's software development and a rival to Sam's open-source vision, Dillinger was poised to be a significant antagonist. The trailer for "Ares" hints at the return of the Master Control Program (MCP), yet Dillinger's absence is puzzling. However, Evan Peters will portray Julian Dillinger, suggesting the family's continued involvement in the story.

Bruce Boxleitner’s Tron

Perhaps the most surprising omission is Bruce Boxleitner, the original Tron. His character's fate was left open-ended in "Legacy," with the potential for redemption. The decision to exclude Boxleitner from "Ares" raises questions about the film's connection to its predecessors. Could a younger actor, such as Cameron Monaghan, be taking on the role of Tron?

The return of Jeff Bridges to the Tron universe is equally perplexing, given that both his characters, Kevin Flynn and CLU, met their demise in "Legacy." The trailer teases Bridges' involvement, but it's unclear whether he's reprising Flynn, CLU, or a new iteration. This raises intriguing possibilities about digital immortality and the survival of CLU.

As "Tron: Ares" promises to unravel these mysteries, it also leaves fans puzzled by its departure from the established narrative of "Legacy." While the new direction is exciting, the absence of key characters from the previous film is notable. Nonetheless, the anticipation for "Tron: Ares" remains high, fueled by its stunning visuals and the promise of a captivating new story.

And let's not forget the thrilling new score by Nine Inch Nails, which is sure to be a highlight of the film.