Tron: Ares – A New Adventure in the Digital Realm
A Legacy Continues
In 1982, Tron, directed by Steven Lisberger, made waves as a pioneering example of CGI in film. Fast forward 28 years, and we finally got a sequel: Tron: Legacy (2010), marking the directorial debut of Joseph Kosinski, who has since gone on to direct blockbusters like Top Gun: Maverick. While neither Lisberger nor Kosinski is at the helm of the upcoming reboot Tron: Ares, both contribute as producers. This latest installment is directed by Norwegian filmmaker Joachim Rønning, known for Disney sequels like Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales.
Reintroducing Tron to a New Generation
Updating a 43-year-old franchise for a younger audience poses a unique challenge, especially in a time when technology and artificial intelligence have evolved rapidly beyond Hollywood’s portrayals. During a press preview, a young man in his twenties seemed perplexed by the concept of Tron, having never heard of the Grid or its iconic characters.
To capture the attention of a new generation, Tron: Ares leverages the familiar "fish-out-of-water" narrative, reminiscent of classics like Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home. In this story, the digital program Ares, played by Jared Leto, ventures into the real world with a mission to retrieve a highly sought-after code for "permanence." This code, originally created by the legendary Kevin Flynn, portrayed once again by Jeff Bridges, was intended for digital beings, allowing them to exist beyond their brief, programmed lifespans.
The Plot Thickens
Ares’s mission brings him face-to-face with Encom’s ambitious CEO, Eve Kim, played by Greta Lee. Kim desperately wants to elevate artificial intelligence and unlock the permanence code. However, hot on this digital trail is Julian Dillinger, portrayed by Evan Peters. Julian is the grandson of Ed Dillinger, the principal antagonist from the original Tron. Despite his mother’s fears concerning the risks, Julian seeks to hack into Encom to send Ares on a course to eliminate Eve and seize the code.
What Julian doesn’t foresee is Ares’s journey of discovery as he interacts with humanity, leading him to challenge his initial programming. His relationship with Eve and the upcoming conflict with Julian, aided by Athena (Jodie Turner-Smith), becomes central to the plot’s tension.
Visuals and Themes
As expected from the Tron franchise, Tron: Ares offers a feast of stunning visual effects and action-packed sequences. One of the most compelling aspects is the exploration of the burgeoning relationship between AI and human beings. Can such a relationship work? What implications does it have for our future?
Analyzing the Script
Despite its visual splendor, Jesse Wigutow’s script occasionally falters, failing to deeply explore the implications of its themes and often resorting to action-packed set pieces. While entertaining, one can’t help but wonder how a visionary director like Stanley Kubrick might have tackled the material, imbuing it with greater urgency and insight. Nevertheless, Leto successfully brings a sense of realism to his portrayal of a digital being.
Talented Cast
Greta Lee stands out as the determined CEO, and Evan Peters effectively embodies the transition of his character into a self-serving antagonist. The supporting cast, including Hasan Minhaj as Eve’s comic-relief partner Ajay, effectively fulfills their roles, contributing to the film’s overall appeal.
Production Details
Title: Tron: Ares
Distributor: Disney
Release Date: October 10, 2025
Director: Joachim Rønning
Screenwriter: Jesse Wigutow
Cast: Jared Leto, Greta Lee, Evan Peters, Jodie Turner-Smith, Hasan Minhaj, Arturo Castro, Cameron Monaghan, Gillian Anderson, Jeff Bridges
Rating: PG-13
Running Time: 1 hr 59 mins
Conclusion
As the Tron franchise evolves, Tron: Ares seeks to bridge the past with the present, posing significant questions about the interplay between humanity and technology. While it may not answer all the questions, it promises a visually dazzling experience for both long-time fans and newcomers alike.