Tron: Ares is a 2025 American science fiction action film directed by Joachim Rønning, expanding the legacy of the Tron franchise. Based on a story by David DiGilio and Jesse Wigutow, this third installment follows the events of Tron: Legacy (2010). The film features an ensemble cast led by Jared Leto, alongside Greta Lee and Jodie Turner-Smith, with Jeff Bridges returning as Kevin Flynn, reprising his iconic role from the previous films.
Tron: Ares premiered in Los Angeles on October 6, 2025, and was released nationwide in the United States by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures on October 10, 2025.
The film is set in 2025, fifteen years after Sam Flynn’s attempt to rescue his father, Kevin Flynn, from the Grid. In the wake of those events, ENCOM and Dillinger Systems, now led by Julian Dillinger, the grandson of former ENCOM executive Ed Dillinger, are racing to bring digital constructs into the real world. However, their efforts are stalled by a critical limitation: the so-called “29-minute barrier” that prevents constructs from achieving sustained existence outside the Grid. To overcome this, they need Kevin Flynn’s “permanence code”—the key to breaking the barrier and stabilizing the constructs in reality.
Tron: Ares marks the third installment in the Tron franchise, centering once again on the Grid and the growing battle between two rival companies—ENCOM and Dillinger Systems. At its core, it plays out like a classic good-versus-evil conflict. I appreciated the throwbacks, connections, and subtle references to the earlier films, which helped the story feel cohesive, even though this isn’t a direct sequel in the traditional sense.
Jared Leto delivers a strong performance in the lead role, and the supporting cast, particularly Jodie Turner-Smith, also stands out with compelling performances. I was especially impressed by the film’s cinematography, stunning CGI, fast-paced light cycle sequences, sleek costume design, immersive soundtrack, and overall visual effects. These elements combined to make Tron: Ares an enjoyable and visually rich experience.
However, while the film succeeds in spectacle, it falls short in emotional depth. Compared to Tron: Legacy, the characters here felt underdeveloped and lacked meaningful connections with one another. As a result, I found it difficult to form any real emotional attachment to the story or its characters. The pacing felt rushed at times, which may have contributed to the lack of character development.
That said, Tron: Ares still delivers on its promise of thrilling visuals and solid performances. It’s a fun, entertaining watch, especially for fans of the franchise, and I highly recommend seeing it in IMAX to fully appreciate the film’s stunning visual effects.
