Tron Ares Synopsis:
In the highly anticipated third installment of the Tron franchise, the storyline shifts from a human entering the digital world to a program venturing into the physical world. The movie presents Ares, an advanced and powerful Artificial Intelligence (AI) program tasked with a risky and groundbreaking mission from the Grid to the human world.
This moment signifies the first encounter between humanity and an AI entity in the physical world. As Ares navigates the intricacies of feelings and his purpose in an unfamiliar world, he faces a critical decision: will he be the cause of humanity's downfall, or will he become its unlikely hero?
Genre: Sci-Fi, Action, Adventure
Release Date: In theaters October 10th, 2025
Tron Ares Fun Facts:
Semi-Reboot:
Instead of a direct sequel to Tron: Legacy, a new story with Jared Leto's character, Ares, was developed, and the franchise decided to explore a new direction with a semi-reboot.
Score by Nine Inch Nails:
The soundtrack is composed by Nine Inch Nails. According to director Joachim Rønning, this choice of sound was used to give the movie a "grittier" and "more industrial" feel, contrasting the real world and the Grid.
Legend Return:
Jeff Bridges, who starred in the original Tron (1982) and Tron: Legacy (2010), is returning and reprising his role as Kevin Flynn.
Impressive Cast of Heavyweights:
Along with Jared Leto and Jeff Bridges, the movie features an impressive lineup of cast, including Evan Peters, Hasan Minhaj, Greta Lee, Jodie Turner-Smith, and Gillian Anderson.
No AI-Generated Character in Film:
The plan to add an AI-generated character in the film was abandoned by the studio to avoid possible backlash and controversy surrounding the use of AI in filmmaking.
The Greek God of War:
The name "Ares" is not just by chance. It refers to the Greek God of War, and Jared Leto's character appears to reflect that. The storyline suggests an imminent clash between mankind and AI, with Ares at the center of the conflict.

Tron Ares Review:
The story focuses on Ares, played by Jared Leto, who is a very advanced program. He is brought from the digital world into the real world by a tech competitor named Julian Dillinger, played by Evan Peters. Julian's goal is to find the mythical "Permanence Code." This code would enable programs to live forever in the physical world, marking the beginning of humanity's first real encounter with intelligent AI.
Where the movie excels tremendously is in its technical execution. The design of the production is polished, updating the traditional neon style by smoothly blending light cycles and Recognizers into real-world cityscapes. The red-trimmed armor of Ares stands out elegantly against the city backdrop, making the film visually stunning throughout.
However, the real highlight of the movie is the audio. The soundtrack, created by Nine Inch Nails, is an outstanding achievement. It’s powerful, intense, and industrial, serving as the film’s driving force, particularly in the high-speed chase sequences.
Regrettably, the screenplay, which attempts to tackle big questions about artificial intelligence and human existence, merely provides oversimplified ideas rather than exploring deeper moral issues. The characters come across as shallow, mainly existing to explain things to the audience. Jared Leto's portrayal of Ares comes off as rigid and mechanical, it does not bring the vital sense of humanity that would make his character's story interesting.
The opening weekend earnings of $33.5 million in the U.S. indicate that the visually stunning experience did not sufficiently draw in large crowds. While Tron: Ares focuses on digital characters wanting to live forever, it sadly feels short-lived, offering impressive scenes but lacking a deep emotional impact for viewers.
Tron: Ares is a must-see for its stunning visuals and the score by Nine Inch Nails, best enjoyed in the largest possible theater. However, if you expected the same level of thematic richness or character engagement as seen in earlier films, you might discover that the story lacks substance.