It’s been some time, but with TRON: Ares finally dropping its first teaser trailer for the general public last week, fans—both old and new—can’t wait to see what’s next. Announced as a standalone sequel to TRON: Legacy (2010), Ares is the third official installment in Disney’s high-concept, visually stunning sci-fi franchise that began with TRON (1982)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KVG_X_7Naw
From Sequel to a Longer Road Ahead
Development on a follow-up to Legacy began as early as October 2010, with franchise creator Steven Lisberger and returning director Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick) at the helm. At one point, the screenplay—titled TRON: Ascension—was reportedly 80% complete, with a bold vision to expand the digital frontier and push narrative boundaries within the Grid.
But 2010s was a different era. Disney didn’t yet own Lucasfilm, and Marvel was still a fresh acquisition. With Legacy underperforming at the box office—despite its visual ambition and a now-legendary Daft Punk score—the sequel quietly slipped into development limbo.
While promoting Oblivion (2013), Kosinski hinted at ideas for a third TRON film. At the time, Ares was conceived as a minor character.
A New Era Begins
Fast forward more than a decade—and after multiple director changes—TRON: Ares has transformed into a full-fledged story with Ares now front and center.
TRON: Ares is now directed by Joachim Rønning, a Disney veteran known for Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales and Maleficent: Mistress of Evil.
Here’s what we know so far (Heads up—mild spoilers ahead):
• Jared Leto stars as Ares, the new Master Control of the Dillinger Security Grid.
Geek Fact: According to Leto, the suit he wears for the role weighs upwards of 45 pounds.
• Greta Lee (Past Lives—a role that earned her a Golden Globe nomination) plays Eve Kim, a brilliant programmer whose work enables Ares to breach into the real world.
• Evan Peters (Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, X-Men: Days of Future Past) plays Julian Dillinger, son of the original TRON villain, Edward Dillinger Sr
Geek Fact: TRON: Legacy, Cillian Murphy made an uncredited cameo as Edward Dillinger Jr.—son of the 1982 film’s antagonist.
Supporting cast includes
• Hasan Minhaj (Patriot Act)
• Jodie Turner-Smith (Queen & Slim)
• Arturo Castro (Alternatino)
• Cameron Monaghan (Shameless, Gotham)
• Gillian Anderson (The X-Files)
And yes— The legend, Jeff Bridges returns once again as Kevin Flynn, making him the only character (so far) to appear in all three TRON films to date.
Soundtrack Evolution: From Daft Punk to Nine Inch Nails
One of the boldest changes comes in the music department. While Daft Punk’s groundbreaking score helped define Legacy, the now-retired duo has passed the torch.
The score for Ares will be composed by Nine Inch Nails, with Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross officially creating a film score under the band’s name for the first time.
Final Thoughts
With a fresh creative team, next-gen cast, and a story that dares to bring the Grid into the real world, TRON: Ares looks ready to reboot the franchise for old and new audiences in bold, unexpected ways.
TRON: Ares hits theaters October 10, 2025
