Will a third Tron film finally bring in the box office dollars that Disney expects?
To date, both 1982's Tron and 2010's Tron: Legacy failed to turn a profit at the box office; they both developed a strong following on home video and streaming after their respective theatrical runs. In the case of Legacy, it's second-life on streaming and home video prompted Disney to commission a popular E-ticket ride at Magic Kingdom in Orlando.
Still, we're sure Disney would prefer strong box office returns right out of the gate, in lieu of a slow build toward long-term profitability many years after the fact.
What Ares has going for it is the fact that with a plot centered on computer algorithms entering the real world, they'll be a lower reliance on the need to depict the Grid's fully CG-generated environments. Plus, with 15 years passing since Legacy, the world is now more familiar with concepts such as AI, digital consciousness, and the blurring lines between virtual reality and the real world.
Another big plus on Ares side is that it will feature the surprise return of Jeff Bridges' Kevin Flynn, who seemingly fell to his demise at the end of Legacy.
Speaking with Empire on his return, Bridges teased, "You know, this is the Grid. The whole digital universe is all up for grabs. It’s all possible in that place. It worked out that I still have some sort of consciousness."
As for what Flynn's role in the film might be, Bridges was even more coy. "Flynn originally explored the digital world in the hopes of achieving some sort of perfection for humanity, but now… the plot thickens, you know? As The Dude might say, new shit has come to light."
Empire also shared a look at Jodie Turner-Smith's Athena, who will serve as the primary antagonist in the pic.
"She is hardcore and fierce and strong and loyal," said The Acolyte star.
"It’s really fun to play somebody who’s just totally uncompromising and brazenly going about accomplishing their objectives. And I was really willing to take that on right now,” she told the magazine. “I was like, ‘Ooh, villain era, let’s go.’”
Tron: Ares is set to hit U.S. theaters on October 10, 2025, with Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures handling its release.
In addition to Leto as Ares, the film also stars Greta Lee as Eve Kim, Evan Peters as Julian Dillinger, and Jodie Turner-Smith as Athena. Appearing in undisclosed roles are Arturo Castro, Cameron Monaghan, Gillian Anderson, Hasan Minhaj, and Sarah Desjardins.
Jeff Bridges is also reprising his role as Kevin Flynn.
Joachim Rønning directs from a script penned by Jesse Wigutow.