"Tron: Ares - A Confusing Sequel Unveiled"

Tron fans have plenty to be excited about in 2025. After a long hiatus, the franchise is set to return to the big screen this October with a new installment titled "Tron: Ares." The film stars Jared Leto as the titular character, a program embarking on a high-stakes and mysterious mission into the real world.

But can we truly call "Ares" a sequel? Visually, the movie is unmistakably linked to 2010's "Tron: Legacy," as evidenced by the newly released trailer. The shift from Daft Punk to Nine Inch Nails for the score underscores the continued emphasis on electronica, maintaining the franchise's signature sound.

However, "Ares" appears to be more of a soft reboot than a direct sequel. The absence of key characters from "Legacy," such as Garrett Hedlund's Sam Flynn and Olivia Wilde's Quorra, raises questions. Why aren't these stars returning? And why is Jeff Bridges, a veteran of the Tron series, the only confirmed returning actor? Let's delve into how "Legacy" set up its sequel and why "Ares" seems to be diverging from that path.

TRON: Ares Images

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

"Tron: Legacy" primarily focuses on the intertwined journeys of Sam Flynn and Quorra. Sam, the son of Kevin Flynn (played by Jeff Bridges), the CEO of Encom who vanished in 1989, enters The Grid to rescue his father and thwart CLU's plan to invade the real world. During his quest, Sam encounters Quorra, an ISO—a digital lifeform—and together they defeat CLU, returning to the real world with Quorra transformed into a human.

The conclusion of "Legacy" sets a clear stage for a sequel, with Sam ready to lead Encom towards a more open-source future, and Quorra as a testament to the potential of the digital realm. The home video release even included "Tron: The Next Day," a short film showing Sam's return to Encom.

Despite this setup, neither Hedlund nor Wilde are returning for "Tron: Ares." This absence is notable, especially given "Legacy's" box office performance of $409.9 million against a $170 million budget. Disney may have decided to steer "Ares" in a new direction, perhaps due to "Legacy's" underwhelming success compared to other major franchises. Yet, the absence of Sam and Quorra leaves a significant gap in the narrative, and we hope "Ares" will at least acknowledge their importance.

The absence of Cillian Murphy, who played Edward Dillinger, Jr., in "Legacy," is equally puzzling. His brief appearance hinted at a larger role in future sequels, potentially as the main human antagonist, mirroring his father's role in the original "Tron." The "Ares" trailer suggests the return of the Master Control Program (MCP), with the red highlights on Ares and his allies reminiscent of the MCP's signature color. Yet, Dillinger's absence and the introduction of Gillian Anderson's new character at Encom raise questions about the narrative direction.

However, Evan Peters will play Julian Dillinger, indicating the Dillinger family's continued involvement. There's also a possibility that Murphy might return in a surprise role, given his uncredited appearance in "Legacy."

Bruce Boxleitner’s Tron

The most surprising omission from "Tron: Ares" is Bruce Boxleitner, who played both Alan Bradley and the iconic program Tron. In "Legacy," Tron was revealed to be CLU's reprogrammed bodyguard, Rinzler, who regained his heroic identity at the film's end. The absence of Boxleitner in "Ares" raises concerns about the film's connection to its namesake. Is Tron being recast, perhaps with Cameron Monaghan in the role? We hope "Ares" will address Tron's fate and provide the character with the redemption he deserves.

The announcement of Jeff Bridges' return to the franchise is particularly intriguing, given that both his characters, Kevin Flynn and CLU, were killed off in "Legacy." The trailer features Bridges' voice, but it's unclear whether he's reprising Flynn, CLU, or a new role. The mystery surrounding his character's return adds to the anticipation for "Ares," though it also highlights the film's departure from "Legacy's" established narrative.

As we eagerly await "Tron: Ares," the film's divergence from its predecessor leaves us both excited and curious. The new direction, combined with the return of Nine Inch Nails' electrifying score, promises a fresh yet familiar experience for Tron fans.