The journey to “Tron: Ares,” the third installment in the iconic Tron franchise, encapsulates the highs and lows of a series that has struggled to find its footing within the expansive portfolio of Walt Disney Studios. Despite the original 1982 “Tron” and its 2010 sequel “Tron: Legacy” not shattering box office records, both films achieved cult classic status, captivating a loyal and passionate fan base. This paradox has left Disney in a quandary over the years, unsure how to leverage the franchise’s modest popularity against its lackluster financial performance. The decision-making process took various turns—from plans for a direct sequel with Joseph Kosinski at the helm to considerations of a complete reboot, reflecting the series’ tumultuous path.
Now, with a new direction and fresh excitement, “Tron: Ares” promises to breathe life back into this beloved yet underperforming series. Helmed by Joachim Rønning, known for his work on “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil,” and featuring Oscar-winner Jared Leto, who has remained a constant throughout the project’s development phases, the film aims to rekindle the magic of the digital world known as The Grid.
As one of the most anticipated new action movies, “Tron: Ares” stands poised to potentially redefine a franchise that has lingered too long in the shadows of uncertainty. The promise of returning to The Grid brings with it a wave of nostalgia and the thrill of new adventures, suggesting that this iteration might finally deliver the breakthrough that has eluded Tron for decades.
Has a Release Date Been Set for ‘Tron: Ares’?
Tron: Ares” is set for an exclusive theatrical release on Friday, October 10, 2025. Following its run in cinemas, the film will become available for streaming on Disney+, where it will join the previous two Tron films and the animated series “Tron: Uprising.
Is There a Trailer Available for ‘Tron: Ares’?
No trailer for “Tron: Ares” has been released yet. With the film’s premiere over a year away, the earliest we can expect a trailer is likely Spring 2025. However, attendees of D23 in August 2024 might receive an exclusive first glimpse of the film, although this has not yet been officially confirmed.
Who Are the Cast Members of ‘Tron: Ares’?
Though specific character details remain under wraps, the cast lineup for “Tron 3,” officially titled “Tron: Ares,” has been confirmed and features an impressive roster. Leading the cast, Jared Leto steps into the role of Ares, a sentient AI, while Jeff Bridges returns as Clu. Despite some reservations about Leto’s past performances in major franchises such as the MCU’s Morbius and the Joker in the DCEU, it’s important to remember his acclaimed Oscar-winning role in “Dallas Buyers Club.” His versatile acting skills suggest he could bring something special to this new venture.
Joining Leto and Bridges are Evan Peters, Jodie Turner-Smith, and Gillian Anderson, each bringing their unique talents to the ensemble. Additionally, Greta Lee will appear as the CEO of a major tech company—perhaps Dillinger Systems. While much is left to speculation, the cast of “Tron: Ares” promises to infuse fresh energy into this beloved series.
Tron: Ares Action Movie 2025 Cast List
Jared Leto
Jeff Bridges
Evan Peters
Hasan Minhaj
Greta Lee
Jodie Turner-Smith
Arturo Castro
Cameron Monaghan
Gillian Anderson
Sarah Desjardins
What Has Been the Plot of the ‘Tron’ Series, and What Caused the Delay in Producing a Sequel?
The intriguing saga of the “Tron” series, a cornerstone in computer-based science fiction, commenced in 1982 with the release of its eponymous first film. “Tron” introduced audiences to Kevin Flynn, a gifted hacker and former employee of the tech conglomerate ENCOM. Flynn’s journey into the digital realm begins as he attempts to expose corporate misdeeds but finds himself transported into a virtual universe where programs are sentient beings.
Aided by Tron, a vigilant security program, Flynn navigates through this digital landscape, battling the tyrannical Master Control Program. His adventures in the Grid not only led to his safe return but also paved the way for him to ascend as ENCOM’s CEO, inspired to mold a new digital world reflective of the one he had ventured through.
Despite its groundbreaking visual effects, which were pioneering for the era, featuring fully computer-generated environments and vehicles, “Tron” was not a box office sensation. It failed to substantially exceed its production budget. Nevertheless, it cultivated a loyal fanbase, securing its status as a cult classic, a fact that did not escape Disney’s notice.
Fast forward nearly three decades, Disney revisited the franchise with “Tron: Legacy” in 2010, focusing on Kevin Flynn’s son, Sam Flynn. The sequel explores Sam’s quest to unravel his father’s disappearance. He discovers that Kevin has been trapped in an updated version of the Grid, imprisoned by CLU—a malevolent clone of himself.
Under CLU’s oppressive regime, the Grid transforms into a dystopian realm, with Tron, now a corrupted enforcer, among those subjugated. The film concludes with Kevin sacrificing himself to aid Sam and Quorra (Olivia Wilde) in escaping, leaving behind the digital chaos and a reprogrammed Tron sinking into the sea, hinting at possible redemption.
Despite generating a substantial box office return, particularly from international markets, “Tron: Legacy” did not meet Disney’s expectations domestically, barely breaking even when accounting for the vast marketing expenses. This lukewarm financial reception dampened immediate prospects for a third film.
Yet, the potential for another sequel remains, fueled by unresolved narratives and continued interest from the series’ ardent followers. Tron’s fate, hinted at by his struggle against mind control, and the speculative survival of Flynn, as teased in the follow-up short film “Tron: The Next Day,” suggests fertile ground for further exploration. This short picks up one day after “Legacy” and hints at Flynn’s possible survival within the Grid. Meanwhile, Sam, now the major shareholder of ENCOM, could be gearing up to retrieve his father, setting the stage for another deep dive into the digital universe of Tron.
Who Are the Creators Behind ‘Tron: Ares’?
The directorial journey for the third installment in the Tron series has seen several changes over the years. Initially, Joseph Kosinski, who helmed “Tron: Legacy,” was set to direct but attributed the project’s stalling to Disney’s shifting focus toward its Marvel and Star Wars franchises. Subsequently, Garth Davis, known for his work on “Lion” (2016), was linked to the project, though he eventually stepped away. The directorial baton has now been passed to Joachim Rønning, a filmmaker familiar with Disney, having directed “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales,” “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil,” and “Young Woman and the Sea.”
The screenplay for “Tron: Ares” is being crafted by Jesse Wigutow, known for “It Runs in the Family.” This pairing of Rønning’s directorial vision with Wigutow’s writing is the current creative force propelling the long-awaited third Tron film forward.
When and Where Was ‘Tron: Ares’ Filmed?
Filming for “Tron: Ares” was initially slated for Summer 2023, but due to the SAG-AFTRA strikes, it was unable to commence. The strikes delayed the start until January 2024, when principal photography finally began. Director Joachim Rønning commented on the challenges faced during this period, emphasizing the importance of a safety net for freelancers like actors and writers. He highlighted the role of AI and its regulatory needs in protecting creative industries, especially poignant as the film itself centers around AI themes.
On August 15, 2023, what was supposed to be the first day of shooting, Rønning revealed that over 150 crew members were laid off due to the shutdown. He expressed frustration over the slow negotiation processes within the industry, urging for quicker resolution and fairness in deal-making to allow work to resume under just conditions.
By November 2023, news broke that filming was scheduled to restart in Vancouver, BC, post-holiday season. The production successfully resumed, marked by a celebratory behind-the-scenes image shared on Rønning’s Instagram. Come April 2024, leaks of Jared Leto on set, dressed in a costume signaling a potentially villainous role, stirred excitement and speculation about his character’s alignment in the Tron universe.
Finally, by May 6, 2024, “Tron: Ares” wrapped up principal photography. The project overcame numerous hurdles, including rewrites, directorial changes, and the significant industry strike. Disney has been determined to move forward with the film’s release, signaling a commitment to the Tron franchise’s future and dispelling fears of a cancellation similar to other shelved projects in the industry.
Can the Previous ‘Tron’ Films Be Streamed on Disney+?
Yes, both “Tron” and “Tron: Legacy” are currently available for streaming on Disney+. Additionally, the animated series “Tron: Uprising,” which bridges the gap between the two films, can also be found on the platform.
