The grid returns: A new chapter in the Tron saga

A glimpse into ‘Tron: Ares’

The Tron universe is set to expand once again with the upcoming release of “Tron: Ares”. This third installment in the iconic sci-fi franchise promises to delve deeper into the virtual reality world that has captivated audiences since the original film’s debut in 1982. During Disney’s D23 Expo, fans were treated to the first footage of the film, featuring an impressive cast including Jared Leto, Evan Peters, Greta Lee, and the legendary Jeff Bridges.

A star-studded cast and a legendary score

Jared Leto takes on the role of Ares, a program from the digital universe who ventures into the real world. Greta Lee portrays Eve Kim, a brilliant programmer whose work enables Ares’ transition. Evan Peters plays Julian Dillinger, a character whose last name hints at a connection to the original film’s antagonist. The footage also revealed that the score for “Tron: Ares” is composed by the renowned industrial rock band Nine Inch Nails, led by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross. The duo, known for their Oscar-winning scores for “The Social Network” and “Soul”, made a brief appearance on stage to celebrate the announcement.

Ares’ journey to the real world

The footage opens with Julian Dillinger delivering a keynote presentation on the future of humanity. “Since time began, man has gazed at the stars and wondered, am I alone?” he muses. “Turns out we’ve been looking in the wrong direction, because intelligent life does exist — but it’s not out there, it’s in here. So much talk of AI and big tech, virtual worlds, when are we gonna get there. Well folks, we’re not going. They are coming here.”

The scene then shifts to Ares experiencing the real world for the first time, marveling at the rain. “There is something at work in my soul, I do not understand,” he says. “I came here to find something.” The footage also includes thrilling shots of a car being sliced in half by a light cycle and a barefoot Jeff Bridges in white robes, greeting the audience with “Greetings, program.”

A visionary director and a talented ensemble

Directed by Joachim Rønning, known for “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil” and “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales”, “Tron: Ares” boasts a script by Jesse Wigutow and Jack Thorne. The film features a stellar supporting cast, including Jodie Turner-Smith, Gillian Anderson, Hasan Minaj, Arturo Castro, Cameron Monaghan, and Sarah Desjardins.

Revisiting a groundbreaking world

Jeff Bridges, who reprises his role as Kevin Flynn, reflected on the enduring legacy of the Tron franchise. “Technology and AI is especially omnipresent in all our lives,” he remarked. “What a perfect time to revisit this amazing world. More appropriately, to have this amazing world visit us.”

The original “Tron” film, despite its initial box office struggles, was groundbreaking for its extensive use of computer-generated imagery. It followed the story of Kevin Flynn, a video game developer who is unwittingly transported into a digital universe. Bridges returned to the role in “Tron: Legacy”, directed by Joseph Kosinski, which continued the story with Flynn’s grown son and a sentient program joining the real world.

The evolution of Tron

Reflecting on the franchise’s journey, Bridges shared, “It’s really unbelievable to think we made the original in 1982. It’s amazing — we never thought we would have this legacy that’s continued on all these years.” While Bridges returns for “Tron: Ares”, his “Legacy” co-stars Garrett Hedlund and Olivia Wilde are not set to appear in the new film.

Jared Leto, who first signed onto “Tron: Ares” in 2017 as both a star and producer, is joined by producers Justin Springer, Jeffrey Silver, and Emma Ludbrook.

Dive deeper into the Tron universe

For those eager to catch a glimpse of the upcoming film, you can watch the trailer for Tron: Ares. This new chapter promises to push the boundaries of the digital universe and explore the intersection of technology and humanity in ways that are both thrilling and thought-provoking.

As we await the release of “Tron: Ares”, it’s clear that the Tron franchise continues to be a beacon of innovation and imagination in the world of cinema. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the series, this film is set to offer an unforgettable journey into the digital frontier.