TRON: Ares (2025)

What is Tron Ares About?

When a highly sophisticated program is deployed from a digital world into the real physical world, many of its creators know its mission will be dangerous. Humanity is about to encounter the very first sentient AI being, and Ares is going to take its place on the stage that is the battlefield.

If Ares fails in its purpose, Julian Dillinger is prepared to make a new one. But while he thinks he is in control of the situation and the AI being, others are more dubious. Prepare to watch the Tron: Ares movie to find out why.

Our Honest Tron Ares Review

Action in abundance, neon red lights and light cycles that speed down the highway, thrilling sequences, and more – it’s these elements that will make Tron: Ares so exciting to watch. It’s anticipated to go beyond the Tron universe and further than the Grid we see in Tron: Legacy (2010). We gleaned from the Tron Ares official trailer that it will bring its characters closer to the AI beings – but perhaps, maybe, slightly too close.

This futuristic masterpiece takes the motifs of Blade Runner 2049, putting them into an equally high-octane and intense movie that will likely keep you on the edge of our seat. Parallels between these films include scenes in which the Tyrell Corporation welcomes the replicants into the world, which mirrors the introduction of Ares to the physical world.

What Do the Critics Think of Tron Ares?

The Tron Ares movie is billed to be a rollercoaster of an action movie, with twists and turns. This is what the critics say about it:

• “I like the idea that the programs are invading the real world. While we do see a number of scenes that take place inside the Grid as well, this inversion of the standard Tron story means we’re unlikely to get the same kind of Tron movie. The fact that a program, and not a user, might be our hero could also mean we get a very different kind of hero’s journey this time around.” – Mike Finkelstein 

• “Audiences can expect some more intensity when it comes to action compared to the previous two installments. At least part of this could be due to the move from the digital world of Tron City and The Grid to the real world. This could raise the stakes and make the action feel more grounded and realistic, particularly for younger audiences” – Ryan Northrup

• “Joachim Rønning has the experience needed to create such a film, and since it’s being produced by Disney Studios, we can expect top-notch visuals and a hefty budget. So, you can imagine how impressive this movie is going to be.” – PanMovies

What Awards and Nominations did Tron Ares Receive?

So far, there are no awards or nominations for Tron Ares. The Tron Ares release date is set for  the 9th of October 2025, but keep your eyes peeled and get ready to watch this thrilling movie to see why the critics rate it so highly.

Cast & Crew of Tron Ares

A skilled cast of Tron: Ares, and its crew, have worked together to bring us a futuristic, engaging thriller-meets-sci-fi film. Here are some lesser-known facts about them.

Fun Facts About Tron Ares

• Disney announced that Jeff Bridges would return in the Tron: Ares movie. Bridges, who plays Kevin Flynn, is the only actor who has been present in all three of the Tron movies.

• Jared Leto remained in-character throughout the filming process and on set. He did not speak to anyone unless they addressed him by his character name.

• Jeff Bridges, however, did speak to Leto during filming because, as Kevin Flynn, the Grid creator, he was entitled to call Ares when needed.

• Tron: Ares is the only film so far that does not feature Bruce Boxleitner as TRON.

• Tron: Ares is also the only movie with a PG-13 rating, unlike the first two Tron films that have a PG rating.

Themes of Tron Ares

Viewers can expect to see themes of artificial intelligence and the contrast between humans and technology in Tron: Ares. It’s seen in scenes such as the moment Dillinger presents the Ares AI to an eager audience, reflecting his perceived control over the sentient being.

But there’s a human-technology relationship theme that is also seen throughout the movie. The precarious balance between control of the AI and the danger it could potentially bring resurfaces time and time again. Watch Tron: Ares to see how this motif is portrayed on screen.

How Does Tron Ares Compare to Joachim Rønning’s Other Work?

The action in Tron: Ares consists of quick camera work and cuts between entertaining dynamic scenes, and this is something we see Rønning use in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell no Tales.

But this incredible movie is really a departure from Rønning’s work. It was a new, unparalleled project that allowed him to explore unique visual filming strategies and techniques. And for this one, Rønning could even use robot-filming methods to create scenes from the Grid.

Iconic Scenes from Tron Ares

Behind-the-Scenes Trivia

Unique and interesting things happened behind the scenes during the making of the Tron: Ares movie, including the following:

• When describing the set and the filming process, Gillian Anderson who plays Elisabeth Dillinger considered that the scope of the film is huge. The team found that all the sets were massive.

• Joachim Rønning aimed to take the Tron universe, visually, to the next level. The creator and crew shut down Vancouver for six weeks during which plenty of action sequences including light cycles (illuminated motorbikes) were filmed.

• Jared Leto, who plays Ares, thought the filming process was surreal. He was a superfan of the first and second Tron movies and was ecstatic to put on the suit and be on the Grid.

What’s the Soundtrack Like for Tron Ares?

Get ready to hear a score with tracks like no other in Tron: Ares. From the Init track that has a thumping beat and an electro-pop sound, to the Echoes track that is more gentle and melodic, the score is wide-ranging and provided by the incredible Nine Inch Nails rock band.

Best Quotes from Tron Ares

• “Since time began, man has gazed at the stars and he has wondered… am I alone? Well it turns out that we’ve been looking in the wrong direction. Because intelligent life does exist. Only it’s not out there. It’s in here.” – Julian Dillinger unveiling of the sentient AI beings.

• “You think you’re in control of this? You’re not.” Elisabeth Dillinger cautioning Julian and suggesting that he is no longer in control of the situation.

• “My world is coming to destroy yours. You’re running out of time. But I can help.” – Ares warning the humans that danger is about to befall them and offering his support.

• “I’m looking for something. Something I do not understand.” – Ares sharing his mission or quest.

• “I would like you to meet Ares, the ultimate soldier. He’s biblically strong, lightning fast, and supremely intelligent.” – Julian Dillinger describing the qualities of the sentient AI, Ares.

• “A malfunctioning program who wants to live. Why is that?” – Kevin Flynn digging deeper into the psyche of Ares.

• “If he is struck down on the battlefield… I will simply make you another.” – Julian Dillinger revealing his plan if the battle goes wrong.

What People Are Asking About Tron Ares