Tron: Ares - A Confusing Sequel Explored

Tron enthusiasts have plenty to look forward to in 2025. After a long hiatus, the iconic franchise is set to return to the big screen this October with a new installment titled Tron: Ares. This third Tron movie stars Jared Leto as Ares, a program embarking on a high-stakes mission into the real world, shrouded in mystery.

But can we truly label Ares as a sequel? Visually, the film draws a clear lineage to 2010's Tron: Legacy, as evident from the newly released trailer. With Nine Inch Nails stepping in to craft the soundtrack, the film maintains the franchise's signature electronica-heavy score.

However, in other aspects, 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 beloved stars returning for Ares? And why is Jeff Bridges, a veteran of the Tron series, the only confirmed returning cast member? Let's delve deeper into how Legacy set the stage for a sequel and why Ares seems to deviate from that narrative.

TRON: Ares Images

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

Tron: Legacy primarily focuses on the intertwined journeys of Garrett Hedlund's Sam Flynn and Olivia Wilde's Quorra. Sam, the son of Jeff Bridges' character Kevin Flynn, CEO of Encom, ventures into The Grid to rescue his father and thwart Kevin's rogue creation, CLU, from launching a digital invasion into the real world.

During his quest, Sam reconnects with his father and encounters Quorra, an ISO—a digital lifeform spontaneously generated within The Grid. Quorra represents the potential for life in a digital realm. At the film's conclusion, Sam defeats CLU and returns to the real world with Quorra, who has transitioned from digital to physical form.

Legacy sets up a clear trajectory for a sequel. Sam steps up to lead Encom towards a more open-source future, while Quorra symbolizes the marvels of the digital world. The home video release even includes a short film, "Tron: The Next Day," which shows Sam taking the reins at Encom.

Despite this setup, neither Hedlund nor Wilde are returning for Tron: Ares, which is a significant omission. This might not be surprising, given that Legacy grossed $409.9 million worldwide on a $170 million budget—not a failure, but not the blockbuster Disney had hoped for. Following the underwhelming performance of films like John Carter and The Lone Ranger, Disney may have opted to take Ares in a more standalone direction.

Nonetheless, Sam and Quorra are integral to the Tron narrative. Their absence leaves a gap in the franchise's continuity. We hope Ares will at least acknowledge their significance, perhaps through subtle references or unexpected cameos.

The absence of Cillian Murphy, who played Edward Dillinger, Jr., in Legacy, is equally perplexing. His brief appearance hinted at a larger role in future films, setting him up as a potential antagonist akin to his father in the original Tron. With the Master Control Program (MCP) seemingly returning in Ares—evidenced by the red highlights on Ares and other programs—Murphy's absence is notable. Why isn't Dillinger part of the new story? And why is Gillian Anderson's new character now central to the Encom board?

However, Evan Peters is set to play Julian Dillinger, suggesting the Dillinger family remains relevant. There's still a chance Murphy could return in a surprise role, given he wasn't credited in Legacy.

Bruce Boxleitner’s Tron

The most surprising omission from Tron: Ares is Bruce Boxleitner, who portrayed both Alan Bradley and the titular hero, Tron. In Legacy, it was revealed that Rinzler, CLU's enforcer, was a reprogrammed Tron. The film left Tron's fate ambiguous after he fell into the Sea of Simulation, hinting at a potential redemption arc.

Boxleitner's absence from Ares raises questions about the film's direction. Is the plan to make a Tron movie without Tron himself? Could Cameron Monaghan be playing a younger version of Tron? We hope Ares will address Tron's fate and include him in some capacity, as his character is central to the franchise.

The announcement that Jeff Bridges is returning for Tron: Ares adds another layer of mystery. Both of his characters from Legacy—Kevin Flynn and CLU—met their demise in the film's climax. Yet, his voice can be heard in the trailer, leaving fans to wonder whether he's playing a resurrected Kevin Flynn, a surviving CLU, or something entirely new.

Bridges' return raises questions about Ares' mission and its connection to Flynn or CLU. Is Ares working with or against them? And why resurrect Bridges' characters while ignoring the surviving heroes from Legacy? Despite these uncertainties, the anticipation for Tron: Ares remains high, fueled in part by the promising new score from Nine Inch Nails.