Tron: Ares: A Confusing Sequel Explained

Tron enthusiasts have plenty to celebrate in 2025 as the iconic franchise is set to make a thrilling return to the big screen this October with the highly anticipated sequel, "Tron: Ares." The film stars Jared Leto in the lead role as Ares, a program embarking on a mysterious and high-stakes mission from the digital world into reality. But is "Ares" truly a sequel to the beloved "Tron: Legacy" from 2010?

The newly released trailer for "Tron: Ares" showcases a visual style that's unmistakably reminiscent of "Tron: Legacy," with Nine Inch Nails stepping into the musical shoes previously filled by Daft Punk, ensuring that the electronica-heavy score remains a cornerstone of the franchise. However, despite these connections, "Ares" appears to be more of a soft reboot than a direct continuation. The absence of key characters from "Legacy" like Garrett Hedlund's Sam Flynn and Olivia Wilde's Quorra raises questions about the film's narrative direction. Interestingly, Jeff Bridges, a veteran of the Tron series, is confirmed to be part of the "Ares" cast, adding another layer of intrigue to the movie's storyline.

Tron: Ares Images

Garrett Hedlund’s Sam Flynn & Olivia Wilde’s Quorra

"Tron: Legacy" focused on the intertwined journeys of Sam Flynn, portrayed by Garrett Hedlund, and Quorra, played by Olivia Wilde. Sam, the son of Kevin Flynn (Jeff Bridges), the CEO of Encom who vanished in 1989, enters The Grid to rescue his father and thwart CLU's plan to invade the real world with a digital army. Alongside his father, Sam encounters Quorra, an ISO—a digital lifeform representing the emergence of life within a computer simulation. By the film's end, Sam defeats CLU and returns to the real world with Quorra, setting the stage for a sequel where Sam takes on a leadership role at Encom, promoting an open-source future, and Quorra embodies the potential of digital realms.

Despite these clear setups, neither Hedlund nor Wilde are returning for "Tron: Ares," signaling a shift away from the direct continuation of "Legacy." This move might be influenced by "Legacy's" box office performance, which, while not a failure, did not meet Disney's high expectations, grossing $409.9 million against a $170 million budget. Disney's pivot could be an attempt to refresh the franchise and appeal to a broader audience. However, the absence of Sam and Quorra leaves a significant gap in the narrative, and fans hope "Ares" will at least acknowledge their importance, if not bring them back for surprise cameos.

Cillian Murphy’s Edward Dillinger, Jr.

Another notable absence from "Tron: Ares" is Cillian Murphy, who played Edward Dillinger, Jr., in a brief cameo in "Legacy." Dillinger Jr., head of Encom's software development, was poised to be a major antagonist in future sequels, continuing the legacy of his father, the original Tron's villain. The "Ares" trailer hints at the return of the Master Control Program (MCP), with the red glow reminiscent of MCP's influence, suggesting a darker mission for Ares. Yet, without Dillinger Jr., the narrative thread seems incomplete. Evan Peters joins the cast as Julian Dillinger, maintaining the family's involvement, but Murphy's absence remains a mystery, fueling speculation about potential unannounced returns.

Bruce Boxleitner’s Tron

Perhaps the most surprising omission from "Tron: Ares" is Bruce Boxleitner, who portrayed both Alan Bradley and the titular program, Tron, in the original film and reprised his role as Alan in "Legacy." The fate of Tron, last seen as Rinzler in "Legacy," remains unresolved, and fans are eager to see how "Ares" will address this iconic character's story. Boxleitner's absence raises questions about whether Tron will be recast or if the film will explore a different narrative path altogether.

Why Is Jeff Bridges in Tron: Ares?

The return of Jeff Bridges to the Tron franchise with "Ares" is intriguing, especially since both his characters, Kevin Flynn and CLU, were seemingly killed off in "Legacy." The trailer hints at Bridges' involvement, but it's unclear whether he'll reprise a living Flynn, a version of CLU, or something else entirely. This mystery adds to the anticipation surrounding "Ares," though it also raises questions about the film's continuity with "Legacy," particularly given the absence of other surviving characters.

As "Tron: Ares" promises to bring the franchise back to life with a fresh perspective, fans are eager to see how it balances homage to its roots with new storytelling. With Nine Inch Nails' score setting the tone, the film is poised to captivate both longtime fans and newcomers alike.