Tron: Ares: A Confusing Sequel Unveiled

Tron fans, get ready to celebrate in 2025. After a significant hiatus, the iconic franchise is set to dazzle audiences once more with a new installment, "Tron: Ares," hitting theaters this October. The film introduces Jared Leto as the titular character, a program embarking on a mysterious and high-stakes mission from the digital world to the real one.

But can we truly consider "Ares" a sequel? Visually, the film is a clear descendant of 2010's "Tron: Legacy," as evidenced by the newly released trailer. The transition from Daft Punk to Nine Inch Nails for the soundtrack maintains the franchise's commitment to its electronica roots. However, "Ares" appears to be more of a soft reboot than a direct continuation. Key characters from "Legacy," such as those played by Garrett Hedlund and Olivia Wilde, are notably absent. Meanwhile, Jeff Bridges is the only confirmed returning actor from the previous films, adding to the mystery of how "Ares" fits into the Tron universe.

TRON: Ares Images

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

"Tron: Legacy" centered on the journey of Garrett Hedlund's Sam Flynn and Olivia Wilde's Quorra. Sam, the son of Kevin Flynn (Jeff Bridges), the visionary behind Encom, ventures into The Grid to rescue his father and thwart the villainous CLU's plan to invade the real world. Alongside his father, Sam encounters Quorra, an ISO—a unique digital lifeform—whose existence proves that life can emerge even in a simulated environment. The film concludes with Sam defeating CLU and returning to the real world with Quorra, setting the stage for future adventures.

The ending of "Legacy" clearly teases a sequel, with Sam poised to take a leadership role at Encom and guide it toward a more open-source future, while Quorra represents the potential of the digital realm. The short film "Tron: The Next Day," included with the home video release, further expands on this narrative, showing Sam's initial steps in transforming Encom.

Yet, the absence of Hedlund and Wilde in "Tron: Ares" raises questions about the film's continuity. "Legacy" didn't achieve the box office success Disney had hoped for, earning $409.9 million against a $170 million budget. This financial performance might have influenced Disney's decision to shift the franchise's direction, opting for a standalone story over a direct sequel. However, the absence of Sam and Quorra leaves a significant gap in the narrative, and fans hope that "Ares" will at least acknowledge their legacy within the franchise.

The absence of Cillian Murphy, who played Edward Dillinger, Jr., in a brief role in "Legacy," is equally puzzling. Dillinger, Jr., was set up as a potential antagonist in a future installment, mirroring his father's role as the human adversary in the original "Tron." The "Ares" trailer hints at the return of the Master Control Program (MCP), with the program's characteristic red glow marking Ares and his allies. This suggests a darker tone to Ares' mission, yet the absence of Dillinger, Jr., and the introduction of Gillian Anderson's new character on the Encom board, complicates the narrative further. However, Evan Peters' character, Julian Dillinger, indicates that the Dillinger family remains part of the story, leaving room for surprises.

Bruce Boxleitner’s Tron

Perhaps the most surprising omission is Bruce Boxleitner, the actor behind both Alan Bradley and the iconic Tron. His absence raises questions about the film's connection to its roots, especially considering Tron's unresolved fate at the end of "Legacy." Fans are left wondering if the character has been recast or if his story will be addressed in a different way. The inclusion of Tron in some form is crucial for a sequel that carries the franchise's name.

The return of Jeff Bridges to "Tron: Ares" is perhaps the most intriguing aspect of the film. Despite both of his characters, Kevin Flynn and CLU, being killed off in "Legacy," Bridges' presence in the new film suggests a complex narrative twist. Whether he's playing a surviving version of Flynn, a resurrected CLU, or something entirely new remains a mystery that "Ares" will unveil. His involvement, alongside the absence of other key characters, adds layers of intrigue and potential for unexpected developments.

While "Tron: Ares" promises an exciting return to the beloved franchise, it also leaves fans with numerous questions about its place within the Tron universe. As we await its release, the new Nine Inch Nails score is already generating buzz, ensuring that the film will continue the series' tradition of groundbreaking music.