The world of TRON is back with a lively third outing. How does it match the original and sequel? Our J.P. has his take on “TRON: Ares,” starring Jared Leto, Greta Lee, Gillian Anderson, Jeff Bridges.
Tron: Ares
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
- Directed by Joachim Rønning
- Screenplay by Jesse Wigutow
- Story by David DiGilio, Jesse Wigutow
- Based on Characters by Steven Lisberger and Bonnie MacBird
- Produced by Sean Bailey, Jared Leto, Emma Ludbrook, Jeffrey Silver, Steven Lisberger, Justin Springer
- Starring Jared Leto, Greta Lee, Evan Peters, Jodie Turner-Smith, Hasan Minhaj, Arturo Castro, Gillian Anderson, Jeff Bridges
Studio Synopsis:
“TRON: Ares” follows a highly sophisticated Program, Ares, who is sent from the digital world into the real world on a dangerous mission, marking humankind’s first encounter with A.I. beings. The feature film is directed by Joachim Rønning and stars Jared Leto, Greta Lee, Evan Peters, Hasan Minhaj, Jodie Turner-Smith, Arturo Castro, Cameron Monaghan, with Gillian Anderson, and Jeff Bridges. Sean Bailey, Jared Leto, Emma Ludbrook, p.g.a., Jeffrey Silver, Justin Springer, p.g.a., and Steven Lisberger are the producers, with Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, Russell Allen and Joseph Kosinski serving as executive producers. The screenplay is by Jesse Wigutow, with story by David DiGilio and Wigutow, based on characters created by Steven Lisberger and Bonnie MacBird. Disney’s “TRON: Ares” releases in U.S. theaters on October 10, 2025.
J.P.’s Take:
It would appear that we’re already in the age of convergence, where A.I. is now the talk of the tech world. Soon, it will become sentient and then take on a human-like form.
At least that is the world of “TRON: Ares,” where A.I. is brought into the physical world. Yet, despite this third sequel wearing its cyberpunk skin like a badge of honor, a warm-blooded story lies beneath its machined exterior.
I’m increasingly impressed by how each new version of the world created by Steven Lisberger and Bonnie MacBird, 43 years ago, continues to reverberate throughout our ever-changing digital society.
“TRON: Ares” is a slight departure from its forebearers in the sense that it manages to concoct a fantastical tale that realizes what A.I. could become in the not-too-distant future. Whereas both “Tron” and 2010’s “Tron: Legacy” took place mostly in the “Grid”, a virtual digital world, “Tron: Ares” turns its A.I. characters into flesh and blood. Well, almost. They’re still made of 1s and 0s, physically reproduced by a set of giant 3D printing lasers. The journey begins with a look back at Kevin Flynn’s (Jeff Bridges) illustrious career as a visionary coder and game pioneer, who created the legendary game Tron.
During an introspective interview, Flynn reflects on the peak of his innovations, sharing insights into the future of technology. He enthusiastically discusses the imminent possibility of merging the digital world with our physical reality, thanks to advancements in artificial intelligence. This exciting prospect hints at a transformative era where the boundaries between the virtual and the real become increasingly blurred, opening up a realm of possibilities that could redefine our everyday experiences. In other words, machine dreams do come true.
We’re privy to an intricately woven timeline that traces his journey. It explores the evolution of his character and the impact of his creations, which, ultimately, leading to the dramatic shift in leadership at his former company, ENCOM As the story unfolds, it highlights the challenges and triumphs Flynn faced, setting the stage for the new CEOs, the Kim sisters Eve (Greta Lee) and Tess (Selene Yun), who would take the reins of the company he once built, in his absence, creating an insightful connective tissue between past and present. The fans bring a touch of humor to the ongoing enigma of Flynn’s physical whereabouts, making the mystery all the more entertaining. This intriguing puzzle definitely calls for some sleuthing.
Personally, I’m gainly happy with the way this story is not necessarily trying to tie up loose ends; yet, keeps the thread of the original alive in the shaping the new era. As the story progresses into its latter half, it begins to echo the iconic visuals of the original 1982 “Tron,” particularly in a scene where Ares (Jared Leto) embarks on a quest to uncover the digital incarnation of the grid’s savior, Kevin Flynn.
The film cleverly integrates nostalgic elements from its predecessor, utilizing retro graphics that evoke a sense of familiarity for long-time fans. This connection not only enhances the storyline but also deepens the viewer’s engagement, as Ares navigates through a vibrant digital landscape in search of a figure who symbolizes hope and redemption within the grid.
Although it doesn’t quite match the philosophical wit and elements of the groundbreaking “Matrix” series, it does, however, make the bold attempt to express a virtual being’s desire to become more human and nods to the mortality of human beings.
Visually, it’s just as stunning as “Tron” and its continuation, “Tron: Legacy”; only this time around, we’re treated to the real world as its backdrop. When we return to the grid, it’s only for brief encounters with our newest characters. While there, many of the action sequences flow nicely and are beautifully rendered with new eye-popping effects, especially involving the laser 3D printers, which create physical beings and machines. And they’re all filmed with a sense of urgency as well.
The characters this time around gave this icy cyberpunk romp the warmth needed to convey a more human story:
- Expect lively performances by Hasan Minhaj as Ajay Singh, Chief Technology Officer and business partner to Eve Kim; Arturo Castro as Seth Flores, friend and colleague to Eve Kim; and Gillian Anderson as Elisabeth Dillinger, daughter of Edward Dillinger, who tries to be the voice of reason to her son Julian.
- Jodie Turner-Smith as Athena is a true digital warrioress and will stop at nothing to catch her prey.
- The true villain is a human one, as Evan Peters plays Julian Dillinger, grandson of the late Edward Peters (played by the late David Warner) in the original “Tron.” Essentially, he channels his grandfather’s cunning tactics to thwart Eve Kim’s efforts in crafting the ultimate machine.
- The virtual Jedi master that is Kevin Flynn is revived by Jeff Bridges, who solidified the character from the start.
- And I must admit Jared Leto plays Ares with such stoutness and a sense of duty, along with a tad bit of humor. I wish there were more humor in his character, however.
The soundtrack deserves just as much attention, as it’s crafted by Nine Inch Nails this time, taking over from one of my all-time favorite electronic duos from France, the iconic Daft Punk. They deliver a haunting, yet sharp and gritty electronic score that stands out while paying homage to Daft Punk’s earlier work.
There is quite a bit to unpack here; however, long-time fans will be satisfied in knowing that justice was done in producing this outing.
As a major fan myself, I needed to sit through this one to follow the thread to the end. Speaking of endings, you’re bound to understand where this one is heading, as I can assure you that this story is not going to fade away quickly or easily.
I enjoyed “TRON: Ares.”
Official Site: TRON: Ares
