Tron: Ares Sequel Puzzles Fans

Tron fans, gear up for an exhilarating return to the digital frontier in 2025! After a long hiatus, the iconic franchise is set to hit theaters this October with the much-anticipated sequel, "Tron: Ares." Starring Jared Leto as the titular program, Ares embarks on a mysterious and high-stakes mission from the digital world into the real one. This new chapter promises to blend the familiar aesthetics of the Tron universe with fresh narratives, sparking excitement and curiosity among fans.

But can we truly label "Ares" as a direct sequel? Visually, the film aligns seamlessly with its predecessor, "Tron: Legacy" from 2010. The newly released trailer showcases the distinctive visual style that fans love, and with Nine Inch Nails taking over the score from Daft Punk, the film retains its electronica roots. However, "Ares" seems to be charting a course that feels more like a soft reboot than a straightforward continuation of the previous storyline. The absence of key characters from "Legacy," such as Garrett Hedlund's Sam Flynn and Olivia Wilde's Quorra, raises questions about the direction of the franchise. Meanwhile, the inclusion of Jeff Bridges, a veteran of the Tron series, adds another layer of intrigue to the narrative.

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, the son of Kevin Flynn (Jeff Bridges), embarks on a quest into The Grid to rescue his father and thwart the digital tyrant CLU's plans to invade the real world. Alongside his father, Sam encounters Quorra, an ISO—a digital lifeform symbolizing the potential for life within the digital realm. The film concludes with Sam defeating CLU and returning to the real world with Quorra, setting the stage for a sequel focused on Sam's new role at Encom and Quorra's adaptation to the real world.

Despite these clear setups, neither Hedlund nor Wilde are reprising their roles in "Ares." This absence is notable, especially given the narrative threads left open in "Legacy." The film's commercial performance, with a global box office of $409.9 million against a $170 million budget, may have influenced Disney's decision to shift the franchise's direction. Yet, the omission of such central characters leaves fans wondering about the fates of Sam and Quorra, and how "Ares" will address their legacies.

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

Another notable absence in "Ares" is Cillian Murphy's Edward Dillinger, Jr., who appeared briefly in "Legacy" as a setup for a larger role in future installments. Dillinger, Jr., poised to become a significant antagonist, was intended to carry forward the legacy of his father's conflict with Encom. The trailer hints at the return of the Master Control Program (MCP), suggesting a darker plotline, yet Dillinger, Jr.'s absence leaves a gap in the narrative. However, Evan Peters will portray Julian Dillinger, indicating that the Dillinger family remains relevant to the story.

Bruce Boxleitner’s Tron

Perhaps the most surprising omission is Bruce Boxleitner, who portrayed both Alan Bradley and the iconic program Tron. In "Legacy," Tron's fate was left ambiguous, hinting at a potential redemption arc. The decision not to include Boxleitner in "Ares" raises questions about the film's connection to the established lore. Is Tron being recast, or is his story being sidelined?

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

The return of Jeff Bridges to the Tron universe is one of the most puzzling aspects of "Ares." Both of his characters from "Legacy," Kevin Flynn and CLU, were seemingly killed off. Yet, Bridges' voice can be heard in the trailer, suggesting a possible resurrection or digital continuation of his roles. Whether Flynn or CLU has found a way to persist beyond their apparent demise remains to be seen, but their inclusion adds a layer of complexity to the narrative.

As we eagerly await "Tron: Ares," the film's departure from the expected sequel path leaves us both excited and puzzled. The absence of key characters from "Legacy" and the mysterious return of others set the stage for a new chapter in the Tron saga. And with Nine Inch Nails delivering a promising score, fans have plenty to look forward to, even as they ponder the future of this beloved franchise.