Tron: Ares: A Truly Baffling Sequel Explained

Tron fans, mark your calendars for October 2025, as the iconic franchise is set to dazzle audiences once again with the release of "Tron: Ares." This eagerly anticipated sequel stars Jared Leto as Ares, a program with a mysterious mission that leads him into the real world. But is "Tron: Ares" truly a sequel, or something more?

Visually, "Tron: Ares" is unmistakably linked to its predecessor, "Tron: Legacy," with the newly released trailer showcasing a similar aesthetic. The transition from Daft Punk to Nine Inch Nails for the score ensures the franchise's signature electronica sound remains a focal point. However, the narrative direction suggests "Ares" might be more of a soft reboot than a direct continuation.

Tron: Ares Images

2 Images: Garrett Hedlund’s Sam Flynn & Olivia Wilde’s Quorra

"Tron: Legacy" focused on the journey of Sam Flynn (Garrett Hedlund) and Quorra (Olivia Wilde). Sam, the son of Kevin Flynn (Jeff Bridges), ventured into The Grid to rescue his father and thwart CLU's plans to invade the real world. Their story culminated in Sam's return to reality with Quorra, the first digital lifeform transformed into flesh and blood. The ending set the stage for a sequel, with Sam poised to lead Encom towards a future of openness and innovation.

Despite this setup, neither Hedlund nor Wilde appear to be returning for "Tron: Ares." This absence raises questions about the continuity of the franchise. "Tron: Legacy" earned $409.9 million worldwide on a $170 million budget, suggesting that Disney might be steering the franchise in a new direction following its mixed commercial performance. Yet, the absence of Sam and Quorra leaves a significant gap in the narrative, prompting fans to wonder about their fates and whether "Ares" will acknowledge their importance.

Cillian Murphy's brief appearance as Edward Dillinger, Jr. in "Legacy" hinted at a larger role in future sequels. His character, poised to be a major antagonist, is notably missing from "Ares," though Evan Peters' character, Julian Dillinger, suggests the Dillinger lineage persists. The return of the Master Control Program (MCP) in the "Ares" trailer adds intrigue, yet the absence of Dillinger, Jr. remains puzzling.

Perhaps the most surprising omission is Bruce Boxleitner, who portrayed Alan Bradley and the titular Tron. The lack of Tron in a film bearing his name raises questions about whether the character will be recast or if his story will be addressed at all. Given Tron's redemption arc in "Legacy," fans are eager to see how "Ares" might handle this iconic figure.

Adding to the mystery, Jeff Bridges is confirmed to return despite his characters' deaths in "Legacy." Whether he will reprise Kevin Flynn, CLU, or a new iteration remains to be seen. His presence adds a layer of complexity to "Ares," promising to explore themes of digital immortality and the ongoing battle between good and evil within The Grid.

As "Tron: Ares" approaches, fans are left with more questions than answers. While the new direction might refresh the franchise, the absence of key characters from "Legacy" leaves fans hoping for some acknowledgment of their legacy. With Nine Inch Nails' score promising to keep the film's pulse racing, "Tron: Ares" is poised to be a thrilling addition to the Tron saga, even if it charts a new course.