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"Tron: Ares - A Confusing Sequel Explained"

By AdamMay 04,2025

Tron fans have plenty to be excited about in 2025. After a significant hiatus, the beloved franchise is set to return to the big screen this October with a new installment titled "Tron: Ares." This third entry in the series features Jared Leto as Ares, a program embarking on a high-stakes mission from the digital world into reality. The plot is shrouded in mystery, leaving fans eager to uncover the details.

While "Tron: Ares" visually aligns with 2010's "Tron: Legacy," as evident from the newly released trailer, it raises questions about its narrative continuity. The switch from Daft Punk to Nine Inch Nails for the soundtrack underscores the continued emphasis on an electronica-heavy score, a hallmark of the series.

However, "Ares" appears to be more of a soft reboot than a direct sequel. The absence of key characters from "Legacy," such as Garrett Hedlund's Sam Flynn and Olivia Wilde's Quorra, suggests a shift in direction. Even Jeff Bridges, a veteran of the franchise, is the only confirmed returning actor, adding to the intrigue. Let's delve into how "Legacy" set up a potential sequel and why "Ares" seems to deviate from that path.

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 (played by Jeff Bridges), CEO of Encom, enters The Grid to rescue his father and thwart CLU's plan to invade the real world. Alongside his father, Sam encounters Quorra, an ISO—a digital being who symbolizes the emergence of life within the digital realm. The film concludes with Sam defeating CLU and returning to the real world with Quorra, who transitions from digital to physical form.

The ending of "Legacy" sets the stage for a sequel, with Sam poised to take a leadership role at Encom and promote an open-source future. Quorra's presence in the real world further fuels the narrative possibilities. The home video release included a short film, "Tron: The Next Day," which depicted Sam's initial steps in transforming Encom.

Despite these setups, neither Hedlund nor Wilde are returning for "Tron: Ares," leaving a significant gap in the story. This absence might be attributed to "Legacy's" box office performance, which, despite earning $409.9 million worldwide against a $170 million budget, fell short of Disney's expectations. Following a trend of underperforming live-action films before Disney's pivot to Marvel and Star Wars, the studio may have opted for a fresh start with "Ares."

Yet, the absence of Sam and Quorra raises questions about their fate. Did Sam abandon his vision for Encom? Did Quorra return to The Grid? While "Ares" may not bring these characters back, it's crucial for the film to acknowledge their significance to maintain continuity within the franchise.

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

Another notable absence is Cillian Murphy, who played Edward Dillinger, Jr., in a brief uncredited role in "Legacy." Introduced as the head of Encom's software development and a rival to Sam's open-source initiatives, Dillinger was poised to be a significant antagonist in future films. The return of the Master Control Program (MCP) hinted at in the "Ares" trailer, marked by the characters' red highlights, suggests a connection to the original film's villain. Yet, without Murphy's return, and with Gillian Anderson's new character taking a central role at Encom, the narrative direction remains unclear. However, Evan Peters' character, Julian Dillinger, indicates that the Dillinger family still plays a role in the story, leaving room for potential surprises.

Bruce Boxleitner’s Tron

Perhaps the most surprising omission is Bruce Boxleitner, who portrayed both Alan Bradley and the titular character Tron in the original film and reprised Alan in "Legacy." The absence of Tron himself in a film bearing his name raises questions about the narrative's direction. Could Tron have been recast, perhaps with Cameron Monaghan in the role? Regardless, "Ares" should address Tron's fate from "Legacy," where he was last seen regaining his original programming after falling into the Sea of Simulation.

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

The most perplexing aspect of "Tron: Ares" is the return of Jeff Bridges, whose characters, Kevin Flynn and CLU, were killed off in "Legacy." The trailer features Bridges' voice, but it's unclear whether he's reprising Flynn, CLU, or a new role. Theories abound about Flynn's potential digital immortality or CLU's survival, but the mystery adds to the anticipation surrounding "Ares." The film must navigate these questions while addressing the absence of other pivotal characters from "Legacy."

Despite these narrative puzzles, the promise of a new Tron film and the exciting new score by Nine Inch Nails offers plenty of reasons for fans to look forward to "Tron: Ares."

Which Tron: Legacy character do you most want to see in Ares? -------------------------------------------------------------
AnswerSee ResultsIn other Tron news, find out about the series return to the gaming realm with the Metroid/Hades hybrid Tron: Catalyst.
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