The digital frontier returns stronger than ever. TRON: Ares, the next evolution of Disney’s sci-fi saga, races into theaters this Friday and invites audiences to step once more into the Grid. Directed by Joachim Rønning (Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, Maleficent: Mistress of Evil), the film expands one of Disney’s most daring and imaginative universes while bringing bold new ideas to life.
The Next Chapter of TRON
Set years after TRON: Legacy, the story follows Ares (played by Jared Leto), an advanced Program who journeys from the digital world into the real one. His mission sparks humankind’s first encounter with artificial intelligence. Along the way, Ares faces challenges that force him to question identity, purpose, and humanity itself.
Rønning emphasizes that “the film focuses on the human factor—Ares discovering what it truly means to be human.” That theme remains the heart of the movie.
The all-star cast includes Jared Leto, Greta Lee, Evan Peters, Jodie Turner-Smith, Hasan Minhaj, Arturo Castro, Cameron Monaghan, and Gillian Anderson. Moreover, Academy Award® winner Jeff Bridges returns as Kevin Flynn, the visionary creator of the Grid.
A Franchise Reborn
Jeff Bridges believes the TRON universe could not have returned at a better time. “What a perfect moment for the TRON world to reemerge—or for the digital world to reach us,” he said at D23. “Our story explores an A.I. program crossing into reality, and I think audiences will be amazed by what unfolds.”
Similarly, Greta Lee, who portrays Eve Kim, shared her enthusiasm: “The scope and the scale of this world—it’s monumental. The franchise has spanned over 40 years, and stepping into that legacy feels both thrilling and surreal.”
Historically, TRON has thrived at the crossroads of storytelling and technology. With Ares, Disney and Rønning worked to honor the original films while elevating them for a new era. Rønning explained, “You must preserve the soul of the series but still advance it. We wanted to respect the past while pushing into the future.”
Behind the Grid
True to TRON’s reputation, Ares shines as a visual and technical triumph. Rønning’s team balanced practical effects with advanced digital artistry to build a world that feels tangible and alive. “Working with Disney gives access to top-tier crews and designers who can make the impossible real,” Rønning noted.
One unforgettable sequence showcases a lightcycle chase through downtown Vancouver. For six weeks, production shut down the city’s streets for night shoots to film the action with real, custom-built vehicles. As a result, audiences can feel the physical energy of every frame.
In addition, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) joined the project to enhance its visuals. “Collaborating with ILM was a dream,” Rønning said. “Their work allowed us to merge real environments with CGI seamlessly. Even with 2,000 VFX shots, the focus always stayed on storytelling.”
The production also introduced robotic camera arms for motion-controlled scenes within the Grid. Rønning explained, “I liked the concept of a computer filming a Program. It reinforces the precision and control that define the Grid.”
Soundscapes of the Grid
Music drives emotion in every TRON film, and Ares continues that tradition with an atmospheric score by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross of Nine Inch Nails. Following Daft Punk’s legacy from TRON: Legacy, the duo crafted a soundscape that blends electronic textures with haunting depth. “Their work elevates each scene they touch,” Rønning said. “They brought intensity and humanity to the music.”
Built for the Big Screen
Rønning created TRON: Ares specifically for the theatrical experience. “Cinema is my art form,” he shared. “This universe belongs on the largest screen possible. The visuals, the sound, and the music merge into one immersive experience.”
The film’s combination of practical sets, lightcycle chases, and boundary-pushing visual effects shows Disney’s commitment to spectacle and story alike. Therefore, TRON: Ares feels both futuristic and deeply human.
Experience TRON Beyond the Screen
Fans can explore the world of TRON beyond theaters at TRON Lightcycle / Run in Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom and TRON Lightcycle Power Run at Shanghai Disney Resort. To celebrate the movie’s release, both attractions now feature a limited-time overlay inspired by TRON: Ares, including enhanced visuals and sound design that place guests inside the next chapter of the Grid.
Ultimately, TRON’s story continues to evolve—on screen, in the parks, and through generations of fans who remain captivated by the digital frontier.
