Tron: Ares (stylized as TRON: Ares) is an upcoming American science fiction action film directed by Joachim Rønning, with a screenplay by Jesse Wigutow based on a story he co-wrote with David Digilio. The film serves as the third entry in the Tron franchise and a direct sequel to Tron: Legacy (2010).
The ensemble cast includes Jared Leto, Greta Lee, Evan Peters, Hasan Minhaj, Jodie Turner-Smith, Arturo Castro, Cameron Monaghan, and Gillian Anderson. Notably, Jeff Bridges returns as Kevin Flynn, reprising his iconic role from the previous films.
The movie is scheduled for release in the United States on October 10, 2025, distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.
Premise
The story follows Ares, a highly advanced program sent from the digital world into the real world on a high-stakes mission. This marks humanity’s first direct encounter with artificial intelligence beings, blending digital frontiers with real-world consequences.
Cast
- Jared Leto as Ares, a super-intelligent program created by Julian Dillinger
- Greta Lee as Eve Kim
- Evan Peters as Julian Dillinger
- Hasan Minhaj as Ajay Singh
- Jodie Turner-Smith as Athena
- Arturo Castro as Seth Flores
- Cameron Monaghan as Caius
- Gillian Anderson as Elisabeth Dillinger, Julian’s mother
- Jeff Bridges as Kevin Flynn
- Sarah Desjardins (role undisclosed)
Development History
Early Sequel Plans
Following the release of Tron: Legacy in 2010, franchise creator Steven Lisberger announced plans for a sequel. Screenwriters Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz were initially set to return, with Joseph Kosinski expected to direct.
In 2011–2012, multiple versions of the script were in progress under different writers, including David Digilio and later Jesse Wigutow. Original cast members Garrett Hedlund and Olivia Wilde were also attached to reprise their roles.
By 2015, Disney had officially greenlit the project, with filming expected to begin in Vancouver. However, after the underperformance of Tomorrowland at the box office, Disney canceled the film. The franchise remained in limbo for several years, with discussions continuing behind the scenes.
Shift Toward a Reboot
In 2017, Disney pivoted toward a reboot direction, attaching Jared Leto to star as a new character named Ares. Garth Davis was announced as director in 2020, but stepped down in early 2023, with Joachim Rønning taking over shortly after.
By mid-2023, casting accelerated with Evan Peters, Greta Lee, Jodie Turner-Smith, Cameron Monaghan, and Sarah Desjardins joining the film. In January 2024, Gillian Anderson was officially added to the ensemble.
Filming
Principal photography was originally set for August 2023 in Vancouver but was delayed due to the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. After the strikes concluded, filming officially began in January 2024 under the working title Velcro.
Production highlights include:
- Cinematography by Jeff Cronenweth
- On-location shoots such as Vancouver’s Cambie Bridge
- Confirmation of Jeff Bridges’ return as Kevin Flynn
- Filming wrapped on May 1, 2024
The final screenplay credits went to Jesse Wigutow (screenplay and story), with additional story contributions from several writers, including the original Legacy duo Kitsis and Horowitz.
Post-Production
Editing is led by Tyler Nelson, with visual effects and world-building expected to play a central role in shaping the digital-real world crossover.
Soundtrack
Disney confirmed that Nine Inch Nails (Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross) will compose the score, marking the first time they credit their work under their band name instead of individually.
The score is described as industrial and grittier, designed to contrast The Grid with the real world. At D23 2024, fans got a sneak peek of the soundtrack through a remix of NIN’s classic song “Something I Can Never Have.”
On July 17, 2025, the single “As Alive as You Need Me to Be” was released, with the full soundtrack album scheduled for September 19, 2025.
Marketing
Disney has launched a major promotional campaign:
- D23 2024: First look footage revealed with Jared Leto, Jeff Bridges, and the cast in attendance.
- CinemaCon 2025: New footage and teaser poster unveiled, followed by an official teaser trailer on April 5, 2025.
- San Diego Comic-Con 2025: Disney showcased the film at the iconic Hall H panel.
- July 17, 2025: Official trailer released, featuring the Nine Inch Nails track “As Alive as You Need Me to Be.”
Additionally, Marvel Comics will release Tron: Ares–themed variant covers in October 2025, reimagining their superheroes in Tron’s neon-infused digital style.
To further promote the film, Disney announced a Tron: Ares overlay for the Tron Lightcycle Power Run attraction at Walt Disney World and Shanghai Disney Resort, launching in September 2025 with red lighting and NIN’s industrial soundtrack.
Release Date
Tron: Ares will debut in U.S. theaters on October 10, 2025, promising fans a bold new chapter in Disney’s iconic sci-fi saga.
