First Image of "Tron: Ares" Released
The screenplay was written by "The Crow" author Jesse Wigutow
Nearly 15 years after "Tron: Legacy", the eagerly awaited sequel "Tron: Ares" will be released next year. Now, a first image has been published via the trade magazine Empire.
The picture reveals a masked figure in the typical look of the films. The red stripes of light promise anything but a radiant hero. The background is also exciting: while the construction behind the person appears with the same design, both seem to be in a kind of factory in the real world.
Unlike its predecessor, "Tron: Ares" is not a direct sequel, but rather a reboot of the series. The film focuses on Jared Leto as Ares, a program that takes the bold step of leaving the digital sphere and entering the real world. In addition, the futuristic soundtrack will once again play a key role. This time, the industrial rock band Nine Inch Nails will be responsible for it.
Alongside Jared Leto, we will also get to see Evan Peters – known as Quicksilver from the "X-Men" movies. "Yellowjackets" actress Sarah Desjardins and "The X-Files" icon Gillian Anderson have been cast in the project as well.
The film will be directed by Joachim Rønning. The screenplay is by author Jesse Wigutow, who was already responsible for this year's "The Crow" reboot. This should certainly raise some red flags - after all, the reboot wasn't very well received by audiences. On October 10, 2025, however, we will be able to see "Tron: Ares" for ourselves in cinemas.
The world of Tron: a journey through the previous films
The "Tron" series has had a firm place in pop culture since its debut in 1982. With its groundbreaking aesthetics, innovative storytelling and fascinating blend of technology and philosophy, it has thrilled generations of science fiction fans. Although only two films have been released to date, the saga has left a lasting impression and built a loyal fan base.
Tron (1982) : The beginning of a digital revolution
The first "Tron" film, directed by Steven Lisberger and released in 1982, was way ahead of its time. In an era when computer technology was just gaining a foothold in the general public, the film dared to tell a story that took place entirely in the digital world. The plot follows Kevin Flynn (Jeff Bridges), a programmer and game developer who is pulled into a digital sphere known as the Grid – by the malevolent Master Control Program (MCP). There he is forced to fight for his survival in dangerous games as he attempts to lead a rebellion against the tyranny of the MCP.
The visual design of the film was particularly remarkable. Through the use of computer-generated graphics (CGI) and hand-drawn animation, Tron created an entirely new aesthetic that transported the viewer into a glowing, neon-colored world. Although the special effects may seem rudimentary by today's standards, they were revolutionary at the time. Tron was a pioneer in the field of digital effects and paved the way for many of today's blockbusters. Despite its innovative technology, the film was not a box office hit, but later achieved cult status. The themes of Tron – power structures in digital systems, the relationship between man and machine and the question of whether artificial intelligence can develop its own consciousness - are still relevant today.
Tron: Legacy (2010): The rebirth of the Grid
Almost three decades after the original, Disney brought the world of Tron back to the big screen with "Tron: Legacy". Directed by Joseph Kosinski, the film was conceived as both an homage to the original and a redefinition of the series.
The story takes place around 20 years after the events of the first film. Kevin Flynn has disappeared without a trace and his son Sam (Garrett Hedlund) sets out to find him. In the process, he is also drawn into the Grid – a now even more impressive, darker and more dangerous digital world controlled by Clu, a flawed image of his father. Sam not only has to find his way in this strange world, but also find his father and, together with the mysterious Quorra (Olivia Wilde), find a way back to the real world.
Visually, "Tron: Legacy" set new standards. The neon-coloured light lines and futuristic designs of the original were modernized and presented in spectacular 3D effects. The legendary light motorcycle races and battles in the digital arena were brought to life with state-of-the-art technology and thrilled the audience. Another highlight of the film was the soundtrack by Daft Punk. The French electro pioneers created a soundscape that perfectly matched the futuristic aesthetic of the film. Their mix of pulsating synthesizers and orchestral bombast made the soundtrack a classic in its own right.
In terms of content, Legacy dealt more with philosophical themes: the search for perfection, the relationship between father and son and the question of how the digital and real worlds influence each other.
The influence and future of Tron
The two "Tron" films are not only technological masterpieces, but also reflections on the human relationship with technology. They raise questions that are becoming increasingly relevant in our increasingly digitalized world: What happens when artificial intelligence takes control? What responsibility do we bear for the systems we create? Although the series has been quiet for a long time, Tron's unique aesthetics and visionary ideas have made it a permanent fixture in the collective memory.
