The Tron film series has always been known for its fascinating sci-fi worldbuilding and brilliant and revolutionary visual effects. Both 1982’s Tron and 2010’s Tron: Legacy immersed audiences in the world of the Space Paranoids arcade game, but it looks like the upcoming Tron: Ares is set to bring the video game world into the real one. Let’s take a look at the first trailer that Disney dropped for the new movie and see if the effects match the high expectations and if the sci-fi side of things looks just as intriguing as its predecessors.
Game Elements in the Real World
As stated in the opening of this article, the video game elements that fans have come to know and be excited for are now wreaking havoc in the real world. People are understandably terrified, and it looks like there’s no holding back when it comes to the destruction they will cause. It’s safe to assume the central threat of the film will involve this, but it’s still nice to see that the video game world will still be present in the movie. It wouldn’t feel like Tron without it.
Light Cycles, Ships, and Weapons
The trailer gives us a glimpse at the Lightcycles, ships, and weapons that will be featured in the film. The Tron style has always been incredible, and these vehicles and weapons all have incredible designs. They look just plain awesome. It’ll be really exciting to see them in action on the big screen and to see what cosplayers do to recreate them. They’re all sure to make the action wildly entertaining.
Special Effects
The special effects look absolutely spectacular so far. Where this is something that this series is known for, it’s good to see they’re putting in a lot of effort in that department. It truly looks like that video game world is colliding with the real world. I still still by the idea that Tron: Legacy deserved the Oscar for Best Visual Effects, and I can already tell that this installment will be my pick for that award for the next Academy Awards as well.
Jeff Bridges
If you listen closely, you can hear the voice of Jeff Bridges, who starred in both previous movies. Even if this isn’t exactly his story, it’s still nice to get the confirmation that he’s still in it. His character, Kevin Flynn/Clu is essential for the backstory of Space Paranoids and helps to tie the whole franchise together. This could very well be the actor’s final appearance in the Tron series, so let’s hope it’s an impactful one.
Music by Nine Inch Nails
Tron: Legacy’s soundtrack was famously done by Daft Punk, and it was excellent. This trailer confirms that the same approach is being done with Tron: Ares. This time, though, it’s Nine Inch Nails taking the helm of the film’s music. NIN fans have a lot to look forward to then. Their particular sound will be perfect for the uniqueness of Tron.
Where Are Past Characters?
There is one lingering question this trailer brings up: where are the other characters from the past movies? This is especially the question with Sam Flynn and Quorra, who we last saw driving off together in the real world. Perhaps the catalyst for the game elements entering the real world, but if they were, where are they? It feels strange to have them be absent. It feels like there’s part of the story that wouldn’t feel complete without including them.
Tron: Ares hits theaters October 10th, 2025.
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