Tron fans, get ready for an electrifying return to the digital world in 2025. The long-awaited sequel, Tron: Ares, is set to hit theaters this October, reigniting the beloved franchise with Jared Leto stepping into the role of Ares, a program with a mysterious mission that takes him from the virtual realm into our reality.

But is Ares truly a sequel? Visually, the connection to 2010's Tron: Legacy is undeniable. The newly released trailer showcases the same stunning aesthetic, and with Nine Inch Nails taking over the score from Daft Punk, the iconic electronica sound remains a key element. However, Ares seems to be less of a direct continuation and more of a soft reboot. The absence of key characters from Legacy, such as Garrett Hedlund's Sam Flynn and Olivia Wilde's Quorra, raises questions about the narrative direction. Notably, Jeff Bridges, a veteran of the franchise, is the only returning actor confirmed for the cast. Let's delve into how Legacy set the stage for a sequel and why Ares appears to be diverging from that path.

TRON: Ares Images

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

Tron: Legacy focused on the intertwined journeys of Sam Flynn and Quorra. Sam, portrayed by Garrett Hedlund, is the son of Kevin Flynn (Jeff Bridges), the visionary CEO of Encom who vanished in 1989. Sam's quest leads him into The Grid, where he aims to rescue his father and thwart CLU, Kevin's rogue digital creation, from invading the real world. During his adventure, Sam encounters Quorra, played by Olivia Wilde, an ISO—a digital lifeform representing the potential for life within the simulation. Their story concludes with Sam defeating CLU and returning to the real world with Quorra, who has been transformed into a physical being.

The ending of Legacy clearly sets up a sequel, with Sam ready to take on his responsibilities at Encom and lead it toward a more open-source future, with Quorra as a testament to the wonders of the digital realm. The home video release even included a short film, "Tron: The Next Day," showing Sam's return to Encom. Yet, neither Hedlund nor Wilde are returning for Tron: Ares, suggesting a shift in the franchise's direction. Despite Legacy earning $409.9 million worldwide on a $170 million budget, it didn't meet Disney's expectations, leading the studio to possibly seek a fresh start with Ares.

The absence of Sam and Quorra leaves significant gaps in the narrative. Are we to believe that Sam abandoned his mission at Encom? Did Quorra return to The Grid? While Ares may not bring these characters back, we hope it at least acknowledges their significance within the Tron universe.

The absence of Cillian Murphy, who played Edward Dillinger, Jr., in Legacy, is equally puzzling. Introduced as the head of Encom's software development and a staunch opponent of Sam's open-source vision, Dillinger was poised for a larger role in a sequel, potentially as the human antagonist. The Ares trailer hints at the return of the Master Control Program (MCP), with the red highlights reminiscent of the MCP's signature color. Yet, Dillinger is missing, and Gillian Anderson's new character takes a prominent role. However, Evan Peters will portray Julian Dillinger, suggesting the Dillinger family's continued involvement. There's still a chance that Murphy could return in a surprise appearance.

Bruce Boxleitner’s Tron

The most surprising omission from Tron: Ares is Bruce Boxleitner, who played both Alan Bradley and the titular hero, Tron, in the original film and reprised Alan in Legacy. The absence of Tron himself in a movie bearing his name is baffling. In Legacy, Tron, reprogrammed as Rinzler, regained his heroic identity after falling into the Sea of Simulation. We hope Ares addresses Tron's fate and perhaps includes him in some form, even if recast with a younger actor like Cameron Monaghan.

The return of Jeff Bridges to the Tron franchise is perhaps the most intriguing aspect of Ares. Both of his characters from Legacy—Kevin Flynn and CLU—were killed off. Yet, Bridges' voice can be heard in the trailer, leaving us to wonder if he's playing a surviving version of Flynn, a resurrected CLU, or something entirely new. The mystery surrounding his role adds to the anticipation of Ares. Whether Ares aligns with Flynn/CLU or serves the MCP's agenda remains to be seen. While we're excited about Tron: Ares, the decision to bring back Bridges while ignoring other key survivors from Legacy leaves us with many questions.

Nonetheless, the promise of a thrilling new chapter in the Tron saga, coupled with the mesmerizing score by Nine Inch Nails, has us eagerly awaiting October 2025.