The Tron franchise, a cornerstone of sci-fi cinema since its groundbreaking debut in 1982, is gearing up for its next chapter with Tron: Ares. Set to hit theaters on October 10, 2025, this third installment flips the script on the series’ familiar digital-world premise, bringing the action into our reality. At the center of it all is Jared Leto, who stars as Ares, a program with ambitions that echo a timeless fairy tale. According to director Joachim Rønning, “[He’s] like Pinocchio. Ares wants to be a real boy.” This information comes from Empire along with new look at Jared Leto’s character, Ares.
For those who’ve followed the Tron saga, the shift in Ares feels like a bold departure. The original film trapped Jeff Bridges’ Kevin Flynn inside a digital realm, while 2010’s Tron: Legacy expanded that neon-lit universe with dazzling visuals and a Daft Punk score. Now, Tron: Ares reverses the journey. Ares, a sophisticated program, steps out of the Grid and into the human world, sparking what’s described as humanity’s first encounter with artificial intelligence. It’s a premise that feels ripped from today’s headlines, where AI’s role in our lives is both thrilling and unsettling.
Leto, no stranger to immersive roles, seems tailor made for Ares. Known for diving deep into his characters, sometimes controversially, he’s bringing that intensity to this project, both as star and producer. The film’s first trailer, which dropped recently, showcases Leto racing through city streets on a light cycle, slicing through police cars with lasers. It’s a visual feast that promises the franchise’s signature blend of cutting-edge effects and high-stakes action. Joining him is a stacked cast, including Greta Lee, Evan Peters, Hasan Minhaj, Jodie Turner-Smith, and Gillian Anderson. Jeff Bridges also returns as Kevin Flynn, though he’s hinted his role might be brief. His voice in the trailer, saying, “Ready? Cause there’s no going back,” sets an ominous tone.
Rønning, who’s no stranger to big-budget spectacles after directing Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, is steering this ambitious project. He’s teased that Tron: Ares will tackle themes of identity and humanity, with Ares’ quest for “permanence” driving the story. The comparison to Pinocchio isn’t just a catchy soundbite—it suggests a program grappling with what it means to exist beyond code. “It’s a very different Tron movie,” Rønning told Empire, hinting at a narrative that’s less about virtual battles and more about real-world consequences.
The film’s aesthetic leans into the franchise’s iconic look—think glowing suits and sleek, futuristic cityscapes—but it’s grounded in a world that feels like ours. Nine Inch Nails is handling the score, a choice that swaps Legacy’s electronic pulse for something grittier. Early footage shown at CinemaCon and D23 has fans buzzing, though not everyone’s sold on Leto’s casting. Some online chatter reflects skepticism, with a few wishing for a lead less polarizing. Still, Leto’s passion for the project is undeniable. He’s spoken about his childhood love for the original Tron, calling it a defining moment that shaped his view of what sci-fi could be.
Production wasn’t without its challenges. The 2023 Hollywood strikes delayed filming, pushing the release from an earlier slot. But that extra time seems to have sharpened the vision. Rønning and his team, including writers Jesse Wigutow and Jack Thorne, have crafted a story that aims to honor the franchise’s roots while pushing into uncharted territory. Producers like Sean Bailey and Steven Lisberger, the mind behind the original Tron, add a layer of continuity to the endeavor.
What makes Tron: Ares intriguing is its timing. We’re living in an era where AI is no longer just a sci-fi trope—it’s shaping our daily lives. A story about a program crossing into reality hits differently now than it would have a decade ago. Will Ares be a hero, a villain, or something in between? The trailer keeps things cryptic, but it’s clear his arrival will shake things up.
There will be a lot of new things in this next Tron film that the franchise has yet to show, but eveeyone behind this project has assured that this project(although new) will feel at its core-a very Tron film at its roots. It will not feel like a complete different franchise but a new adaption/addition with a lot of great nostalgia moments.
As October approaches, Tron: Ares is shaping up to be more than a nostalgic sequel. It’s a chance to revisit a beloved universe through a new lens, with Leto’s Ares as the wildcard. Whether he’ll win over skeptics or spark debate, one thing’s certain: this isn’t your father’s Tron. It’s a film ready to race out of the Grid and into our world, asking big questions about what it means to be real.
