Tron: Ares: A Confusing Sequel Unveiled
- By Sadie
- Apr 21,2025
Tron enthusiasts have plenty to celebrate in 2025. After years of anticipation, the beloved franchise is set to return to the big screen this October with the much-awaited sequel, Tron: Ares. The film introduces Jared Leto as Ares, a program embarking on a high-stakes and enigmatic mission that blurs the lines between the digital and real worlds.
While it's tempting to label Ares as a direct sequel, the visual cues and thematic elements suggest a more complex relationship with its predecessor, Tron: Legacy. The newly released trailer showcases a visual continuity with 2010's Tron: Legacy, reaffirming the franchise's signature neon-lit aesthetic. The switch from Daft Punk to Nine Inch Nails for the soundtrack underscores the ongoing importance of an electronica-heavy score, promising a thrilling auditory experience.
Yet, Ares appears to lean more towards a soft reboot rather than a straightforward continuation. The absence of key characters from Legacy, such as Garrett Hedlund’s Sam Flynn and Olivia Wilde’s Quorra, raises questions about the narrative direction. Additionally, the return of Jeff Bridges, a veteran of the Tron universe, adds an intriguing layer to the film, despite his characters' fates in the previous installment.
TRON: Ares Images
2 ImagesGarrett Hedlund’s Sam Flynn & Olivia Wilde’s Quorra
Tron: Legacy centered around the intertwined journeys of Sam Flynn and Quorra. Sam, the son of Kevin Flynn (played by Jeff Bridges), ventures into The Grid to rescue his father and thwart CLU's plan to invade the real world. Alongside his father, Sam encounters Quorra, an ISO—a unique digital lifeform symbolizing the emergence of life within a simulated environment. The film concludes with Sam defeating CLU and returning to reality with Quorra, setting the stage for future adventures.
Legacy's ending provided a clear trajectory for a sequel, with Sam poised to lead Encom towards a more open-source future, and Quorra embodying the potential of digital life. The short film "Tron: The Next Day" further reinforced this storyline, showing Sam's efforts to transform Encom. However, the absence of Hedlund and Wilde from Tron: Ares suggests a departure from this established path.
Despite Legacy's respectable box office performance of $409.9 million worldwide against a $170 million budget, it did not meet Disney's expectations. This might explain the studio's decision to pivot with Ares, opting for a more standalone narrative rather than directly continuing the story from Legacy. Nevertheless, ignoring Sam and Quorra's significant roles leaves a gap in the franchise's continuity that Ares must address, ideally acknowledging their legacy if not integrating them into the new plot.
Cillian Murphy’s Edward Dillinger, Jr. ---------------------------------------The absence of other key Legacy characters, like Cillian Murphy's Edward Dillinger, Jr., also raises eyebrows. Introduced as a potential antagonist in Legacy, Dillinger's brief appearance suggested a larger role in future installments. His connection to the Master Control Program (MCP), hinted at in the Ares trailer through the red glow associated with MCP, indicates a possible return of this iconic villain. Yet, without Dillinger, the narrative loses a crucial human element, compounded by the introduction of Gillian Anderson's new character on the Encom board. Evan Peters' role as Julian Dillinger suggests the Dillinger legacy persists, but the absence of Murphy leaves fans questioning.
Bruce Boxleitner’s Tron
Perhaps the most notable omission from Tron: Ares is Bruce Boxleitner, the original Tron. His dual roles as Alan Bradley and the titular program were central to the franchise. In Legacy, the character of Tron was reprogrammed as Rinzler, with a potential for redemption hinted at in his ambiguous ending. The exclusion of Boxleitner from Ares raises concerns about the film's connection to its roots, especially if Tron is recast or omitted entirely. Fans hope for a resolution to Tron's fate, ensuring his legacy is honored in some way.
Why Is Jeff Bridges in Tron: Ares? ----------------------------------The inclusion of Jeff Bridges in Tron: Ares, despite both his characters meeting their demise in Legacy, is a puzzling yet intriguing decision. Whether he returns as Kevin Flynn, CLU, or a new iteration, his presence promises to bridge the gap between the films. The trailer's brief audio tease of Bridges' voice leaves fans speculating on his role and how it might tie into Ares' mysterious mission or the potential return of the MCP. While his return is exciting, it's also perplexing given the absence of other key survivors from Legacy.
As Tron: Ares approaches its release, fans eagerly await answers to these mysteries. The film's shift towards a soft reboot while maintaining visual and thematic ties to Legacy offers a fresh yet familiar take on the beloved franchise. The new soundtrack by Nine Inch Nails promises to enhance the immersive experience, ensuring that the world of Tron continues to captivate audiences.
AnswerSee ResultsIn other Tron news, find out about the series return to the gaming realm with the Metroid/Hades hybrid Tron: Catalyst.
