Why Tron: Ares Looks Like a Truly Baffling Sequel

Tron fans, get ready to dive back into the digital world in 2025! The iconic franchise is set to return to the big screen this October with the much-anticipated sequel, Tron: Ares. Starring Jared Leto as the titular character, Ares is a program embarking on a high-stakes mission from the digital realm into the real world. But what exactly does this mean for the beloved Tron universe?

Visually, Tron: Ares seamlessly continues the aesthetic established by Tron: Legacy in 2010. The newly released trailer showcases the familiar neon-lit environments and high-tech suits, instantly recognizable to fans. With Nine Inch Nails taking over the score from Daft Punk, the film promises to maintain its signature electronica sound, ensuring an immersive experience.

However, while Ares may look like a sequel, it's shaping up to be more of a soft reboot. Noticeably absent are key characters from Legacy, such as Garrett Hedlund's Sam Flynn and Olivia Wilde's Quorra. This raises questions about the continuity and direction of the franchise. Why aren't these central figures returning? And why is Jeff Bridges, a veteran of the Tron series, the only confirmed returning cast member?

TRON: Ares Images

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

Tron: Legacy centered around the journey of Sam Flynn and Quorra. Sam, the son of Kevin Flynn (Jeff Bridges), ventures into The Grid to rescue his father and stop CLU, Kevin's rogue creation, from invading the real world. Alongside Sam, Quorra, an ISO—a digital lifeform—embodies the potential of The Grid. The film ends with Sam returning to the real world with Quorra, setting the stage for a sequel where Sam would lead Encom towards a more open-source future, with Quorra as a testament to digital life.

Despite this setup, neither Hedlund nor Wilde appear to be reprising their roles in Ares. This absence is significant, especially considering Legacy's performance at the box office, grossing $409.9 million worldwide on a $170 million budget. Disney's decision to shift direction might stem from Legacy's underwhelming financial success compared to expectations. Yet, ignoring Sam and Quorra's arcs leaves a narrative gap that fans hope Ares will address, even if through a nod or cameo.

Another notable absence from Ares is Cillian Murphy's Edward Dillinger, Jr., introduced in Legacy as a potential antagonist. Dillinger, Jr. was set up as a key figure for future conflicts, likely mirroring his father's role as a human adversary in the original Tron. The trailer for Ares hints at the return of the Master Control Program (MCP), yet Dillinger's absence is puzzling, especially with Evan Peters playing a character named Julian Dillinger. Could Murphy be returning in a surprise role?

Bruce Boxleitner’s Tron

Perhaps the most surprising omission is Bruce Boxleitner, who played both Alan Bradley and the iconic program Tron. In Legacy, Tron was revealed to be reprogrammed as Rinzler, and his fate was left open-ended. With Boxleitner not returning, fans wonder how Ares will handle the absence of such a pivotal character. Is Tron being recast, perhaps with Cameron Monaghan in the role?

The most intriguing aspect of Ares is the return of Jeff Bridges. Both of his characters, Kevin Flynn and CLU, met their demise in Legacy. So, why bring Bridges back? His voice is heard in the trailer, but it's unclear whether he's playing a resurrected Flynn, a surviving CLU, or a new iteration. This mystery adds a layer of anticipation to Ares, though it also raises questions about the film's continuity and respect for the established narrative.

Despite these perplexing changes, the anticipation for Tron: Ares remains high. The new direction promises fresh stories and characters, while the return of the MCP and Bridges' involvement keeps the connection to the original films alive. And with Nine Inch Nails providing the soundtrack, fans can look forward to an electrifying auditory experience.