It all started 43 years ago when Kevin Flynn/Clu inserted himself as a player within a computer program. In the years that have followed, the movie Tron has become a science-fiction cult phenomenon, that is seen as both technologically ahead of its time and prescient in the way it portrays the relationship between man and computer.
For years, fans of the genre eagerly awaited a sequel or reboot of some kind. Finally, in 2010, Tron: Legacy starring Jeff Bridges, Olivia Wilde, and Garrett Hedlund made fan hopes a reality. It was widely viewed as a disappointing follow-up despite the franchise's trademark cutting-edge special effects. Now, Tron: Ares is set to hit theaters in October, and if the trailer is any indication, this turbo-charged thrill ride will be the sleekest entry yet.
In the first two Tron movies, man inserted itself into the computer world and existed in a state governed by the operating system of the technology. In Tron: Ares, however, the tables are turned as the virtual is unleashed upon the real world.
As seen in the relentlessly fast-paced trailer, many of the resplendently spellbinding vehicles from the original wreak havoc upon a busy downtown area. This is the frontier that fans have wanted to see as the line between real and artificial becomes increasingly blurred.
The trailer also introduces Jared Leto as a highly sophisticated program called Ares. He's sent into the real world on his Light Cycle to battle the rampant Recognizers and other malware that is destroying everything in its path. One might call him a type of antihero since he should back up his digital brethren, but instead, he's putting his existence on the line to save the real world.
Director Joachim Ronning has crafted a mind-bending universe that is a beautiful amalgam of the signature glowing Tron universe brought to life in a present-day urban setting. Jeff Bridges will return as Flynn/Clu and is joined by a talented young ensemble including Evan Peters, Sarah Desjardins, Greta Lee, and Cameron Monaghan. Fans of The X-Files will also be excited to see Gillian Anderson play a significant role in the new film.
The super-amped trailer teases that "Worlds Collide" and features two red Light Cycles speeding down a freeway, emitting the signature laser trails. One of them slices a pursuing police car in half, followed by all manner of Tron vehicles and maybe some new additions engaged in dizzying dogfights framed by the backdrop of night. We also briefly hear Clu's voice as Ares is created and commissioned to save humanity from the attacking machines.
Assuming the visuals are as stunning as those seen in the trailer, then die-hard Tron and sci-fi fans will be flocking to theaters, preferably IMAX, to become fully immersed in this luminous and lavish cinematic experience scored by celebrated former Nine Inch Nails frontman Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross.
Tron: Ares opens in theaters on October 10, 2025.