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Tron: Ares: A Confusing Follow-Up Explained

By EthanMay 20,2025

Tron fans have a thrilling year ahead in 2025, as the beloved franchise makes a long-awaited return to the big screen with "Tron: Ares," set to premiere this October. The film introduces Jared Leto as Ares, a program embarking on a high-stakes mission that mysteriously crosses into the real world. This new installment promises to reignite the excitement and visual spectacle that the series is known for.

While "Tron: Ares" visually aligns itself with the aesthetic of 2010's "Tron: Legacy," as seen in the newly released trailer, it raises questions about whether it should be considered a direct sequel. The shift to Nine Inch Nails for the score maintains the franchise's tradition of electronica, underscoring its commitment to immersive soundscapes. However, the absence of key characters from "Legacy" suggests that "Ares" might be taking the series in a new direction, possibly as a soft reboot.

TRON: Ares Images

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

"Tron: Legacy" focused on the journey of Garrett Hedlund's Sam Flynn and Olivia Wilde's Quorra. Sam, son of Jeff Bridges' Kevin Flynn, ventured into The Grid to find his father and stop Kevin's rogue creation, CLU. Quorra, an ISO—a digital lifeform—represents the potential of digital realms. The film's conclusion sees Sam and Quorra returning to the real world, setting the stage for Sam to lead Encom into a future of open-source innovation.

Despite this setup, neither Hedlund nor Wilde are returning for "Tron: Ares." This decision may reflect Disney's strategy to refresh the franchise following "Legacy's" $409.9 million worldwide box office on a $170 million budget. While not a failure, it fell short of expectations, leading Disney to explore a new path with "Ares." However, the absence of Sam and Quorra, pivotal to the Tron narrative, leaves fans wondering about their fates and hoping for some acknowledgment in the new film.

PlayCillian Murphy’s Edward Dillinger, Jr. ---------------------------------------

The absence of Cillian Murphy, who portrayed Edward Dillinger, Jr., in "Legacy," is equally puzzling. His brief appearance hinted at a larger role in future installments, potentially as a human antagonist linked to the return of the Master Control Program (MCP). The "Tron: Ares" trailer hints at the MCP's involvement with Ares' red highlights, suggesting a darker plot. Yet, without Dillinger, Jr., and with Gillian Anderson's new character taking center stage, the narrative direction remains unclear. Evan Peters plays Julian Dillinger, indicating the family's continued involvement, but the absence of Murphy leaves a gap.

Bruce Boxleitner’s Tron

The most striking omission is Bruce Boxleitner, the original Tron and Alan Bradley. His absence raises questions about the film's connection to its namesake. In "Legacy," Tron was revealed as Rinzler, CLU's reprogrammed enforcer, who regained his true identity. With Boxleitner not returning, fans hope "Ares" will address Tron's fate and perhaps introduce a new actor in the role, possibly Cameron Monaghan.

PlayWhy Is Jeff Bridges in Tron: Ares? ----------------------------------

The return of Jeff Bridges, whose characters were killed off in "Legacy," adds another layer of mystery. His voice in the trailer suggests a possible return of Kevin Flynn or CLU, though how this fits into the new storyline remains to be seen. This decision to bring back Bridges while sidelining other surviving characters from "Legacy" leaves fans both excited and perplexed about the narrative choices for "Ares."

Despite these questions, the anticipation for "Tron: Ares" is high, especially with the promise of Nine Inch Nails' electrifying score. As the film approaches its release, fans eagerly await to see how this new chapter unfolds and whether it honors the legacy of its predecessors while charting a bold new course for the franchise.

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