The upcoming sci-fi blockbusterTron: Areshas teased a mind-blowing sequel as it gave audiences a glimpse into its blood-pumping adventure. Directed by Joachim Rønning and starring Jared Leto,Tron: Areswill center around the titular AI program when he is sent from the digital world to the real world on a high-stakes mission.
Though a sequel toTron: Legacyhas long been in demand,the story forTron: Aresseemed questionable at first when it was revealed that it would mainly take place outside the digital world. However, thefirst trailer forTron: Aresshowed what such a story would look like on the big screen, complete with dazzling visuals, high-octane action, and a sprawling conflict. As a result, it now seems likeTron: Ares’s settingmay actually become the best film in theTronfranchise so far.
I’ve Been Skeptical About Tron: Ares Ever Since Its Mostly Earth-Based Story Was Revealed
Tron: Ares Presents A Bold New Chapter In This Iconic Franchise
Much of theTronfranchise’s appeal has come from its eye-catching visuals, many of which have been presented in a digital environment. By placing live-action characters in a neon, virtual world, theTronfilms became thrilling, escapist adventures that many people could enjoy. While the firstTronfilm’s visuals haven’t aged that well since its premiere in 1982,Tron: Legacyshowed the franchise’s true potential with its realistic and groundbreaking digital world in 2010, which is what made the third film such a highly anticipated blockbuster.
Will Tron: Ares be as good as Legacy?
The first trailer for Tron: Ares was just released, and I think it looks absolutely fantastic. Fulfilling the promise of Tron: Legacy that programs would eventually enter the real world, I do think the upcoming Disney movie has the potential to be just as good as Legacy (if not better).
However, when it was revealed that a large portion ofTron: Areswould take place in the real world, it seemed like the film would’ve been a downgrade for the franchise. For the most part,theTronfilms' excitement has been found within the digital world, where neon visuals and high-speed races are abundant. A story mainly set outside of this world didn’t seem like the kind of thing that aTronfan would pay money to see.
Tron: Ares' Trailer Proves Why An Earth-Based Story Is So Exciting
Tron: Ares' Trailer Teases An Explosive Clash Of The Real And Digital Worlds
Footage forTron: Areswas revealed at CinemaCon 2025, which showed Ares and several other AI programs leaving the world of the Grid and entering the physical world. Over a decade afterTron: Legacy’s release,Tron: Aresputs a whole new spin on theTronfranchise by showing the virtual world entering the real one, with lightcycles and flying carriers blending seamlessly with the live-action world.
This visual approach presents a unique perspective of theTronfranchise that justifies the existence ofTron: Ares. By presenting most of the story in the Grid,the sequel could’ve seemed repetitive and not as exciting. Seeing the advanced weapons and technology being brought to the real world in the trailer, it is also clear that humanity is not prepared for the fight against AI that is coming, makingTron: Aresall the more enticing.
Is Garrett Hedlund In Tron: Ares?
Garrett Hedlund’s Sam Flynn set up a major future storyline at the end of Tron: Legacy, but will the upcoming Tron: Ares follow that up?
In the end, it looks likeTron: Arescould actually revive the franchisewith its Earth-based setting. Though past films have captivated audiences with their dazzling virtual environments,Tron: Aresis taking the next logical step by showing the AI invading the physical world in an epic new conflict. With such advanced CGI on display, this threequel effectively places its dazzling, neon visuals in the live-action world, which should make for a distinctive and eye-catching addition to theTronfranchise.
Tron: Ares
Cast
Tron: Ares is the third film in the Tron franchise and is a direct follow-up to Tron and Tron: Legacy. The movie revolves around Ares, an advanced digital Program sent into the real world to complete a perilous task, marking humanity’s first encounter with artificial beings outside of digital space.
