Tron: Ares: A Confusing Sequel Explained

Tron enthusiasts have a thrilling reason to mark their calendars for October 2025. After years of anticipation, the iconic franchise is set to return to the big screen with "Tron: Ares," a new installment featuring Jared Leto as the titular program on a mysterious mission that transcends from the digital world to reality. This sequel promises to reignite the fervor among fans with its high-stakes narrative.

At first glance, "Tron: Ares" seems to be a direct continuation of the visual and auditory legacy established by 2010's "Tron: Legacy." The newly released trailer showcases a style unmistakably reminiscent of its predecessor, while the shift from Daft Punk to Nine Inch Nails for the soundtrack ensures the electronica vibe remains a central element of the franchise. However, a closer look suggests that "Ares" might be more of a soft reboot than a straightforward sequel.

One of the most noticeable shifts is the absence of key characters from "Tron: Legacy." Where are Garrett Hedlund's Sam Flynn and Olivia Wilde's Quorra, whose arcs were pivotal to the last film? Why is Jeff Bridges, a veteran of the Tron universe, the only confirmed returning actor? These questions hint at a narrative divergence from the setup provided by "Legacy."

TRON: Ares Images

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

"Tron: Legacy" centered on the intertwined journeys of Sam Flynn and Quorra. Sam, portrayed by Hedlund, is the son of Kevin Flynn (Jeff Bridges), who vanished in 1989. Sam's quest leads him into The Grid to rescue his father and thwart the ambitions of CLU, Kevin's rogue digital creation. Alongside his father, Sam meets Quorra, an ISO, a digital being signifying life's resilience even within a computer simulation. Their story concludes with Sam returning to the real world with Quorra, setting the stage for a sequel focused on Sam's new role at Encom and Quorra's integration into human society.

Despite this clear path, neither Hedlund nor Wilde are slated to reprise their roles in "Tron: Ares." This decision might stem from "Legacy's" box office performance, which, while not a failure, did not meet Disney's expectations with a worldwide gross of $409.9 million against a $170 million budget. Disney might be aiming to refresh the franchise, opting for a more standalone story that doesn't rely on the direct continuation of previous plotlines.

However, the absence of Sam and Quorra poses significant questions. What happened to Sam's vision for Encom? Did Quorra adjust to the real world, or did she return to The Grid? These characters are central to the Tron narrative, and their omission creates a narrative gap that "Ares" will need to address, perhaps through subtle references or unexpected cameos.

The absence of Cillian Murphy, who played Edward Dillinger, Jr. in "Legacy," is equally perplexing. Dillinger, Jr. was set up as a potential antagonist in future installments, mirroring his father's role in the original Tron. His brief appearance hinted at a larger role in a sequel, potentially involving the return of the Master Control Program (MCP). The "Tron: Ares" trailer suggests the MCP's influence with its red highlights, yet Dillinger's absence raises questions about the film's direction. However, Evan Peters' character, Julian Dillinger, might indicate the family's continued involvement in the story.

Bruce Boxleitner’s Tron

Perhaps the most striking omission is Bruce Boxleitner, who portrayed both Alan Bradley and the iconic program Tron. In "Legacy," Tron's fate was left open-ended, with the character potentially returning to his heroic roots. The absence of Boxleitner from "Ares" raises concerns about the film's connection to its namesake. Could Tron have been recast, or will his story be left unresolved?

The most intriguing aspect of "Tron: Ares" is the return of Jeff Bridges, despite his characters, Kevin Flynn and CLU, being killed off in "Legacy." The trailer features Bridges' voice, leaving fans to speculate whether he will portray a resurrected Flynn, a surviving CLU, or perhaps a digital incarnation transcending mortality. His inclusion, while exciting, underscores the film's departure from the established continuity, especially when contrasted with the absence of other key characters from "Legacy."

As we eagerly await "Tron: Ares," the film's approach to balancing nostalgia with fresh storytelling will be crucial. The new soundtrack by Nine Inch Nails promises to maintain the franchise's distinctive auditory experience, adding to the anticipation. While "Ares" may take the series in a new direction, the unresolved threads from "Legacy" leave fans both excited and curious about what's to come.