Tron: Ares (stylized as TRON: Ares) is an upcoming American science fiction film produced by Walt Disney Pictures. A standalone sequel to Tron: Legacy (2010) and the third installment in the Tron film series, it is directed by Joachim Rønning from a screenplay by Jesse Wigutow and Jack Thorne. The film stars Jared Leto, Greta Lee, Evan Peters, Hasan Minhaj, Jodie Turner-Smith, Arturo Castro, Cameron Monaghan, Gillian Anderson and Sarah Desjardins, with Jeff Bridges reprising his role from the previous installments.
Tron: Ares | |
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![]() Official film logo | |
Directed by | Joachim Rønning |
Screenplay by |
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Based on | |
Produced by |
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Starring | |
Cinematography | Jeff Cronenweth |
Edited by | Tyler Nelson[1] |
Music by | Nine Inch Nails |
Production companies |
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Distributed by | Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures |
Release date |
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Country | United States |
Language | English |
Development of a sequel to Tron: Legacy began in October 2010 by franchise creator Steven Lisberger. Plans changed when the franchise would be moving towards a reboot instead in March 2017, with Leto playing a new character. Garth Davis was set as director in August 2020 when Wigutow was working on the script, but stepped down in January 2023. Rønning replaced him a month later. Production was expected to begin in August 2023 but was delayed by the 2023 Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Filming ultimately began in January 2024 in Vancouver and wrapped in May. By August, Nine Inch Nails was composing the score.
Tron: Ares is scheduled to be released in the United States by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures on October 10, 2025.[2]
Synopsis
editTron: Ares follows a highly sophisticated program, Ares, who is sent from the digital world into the real world on a dangerous mission, marking humankind’s first encounter with A.I. beings.
Cast
edit- Jared Leto as Ares
- Greta Lee as Eve Kim
- Evan Peters as Julian Dillinger
- Hasan Minhaj
- Jodie Turner-Smith
- Arturo Castro
- Cameron Monaghan
- Gillian Anderson
- Sarah Desjardins
- Jeff Bridges as Kevin Flynn
Production
editDevelopment
editInitial Tron: Legacy sequel development
editDevelopment of a sequel to Tron: Legacy was announced in October 2010 by franchise creator Steven Lisberger, with Legacy screenwriters Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz set to return.[4][5] In April 2011, director Joseph Kosinski stated the script was still in development, and that it would follow the characters of Sam Flynn and Quorra in the real world.[6] On March 31, Kosinski said that the film's script was expected to be finished in two weeks and its working title is TR3N.[7] In June, it was reported that screenwriter David DiGilio was hired to write the screenplay, as Kitsis and Horowitz had dropped out to develop their television series Once Upon a Time.[8] In March 2012, Bruce Boxleitner stated he believed filming could potentially begin as early as 2014, after Kosinski was available following his commitments to the film Oblivion.[9] In June, Kitsis and Horowitz stated that they were still involved with the project,[10] though by December, Jesse Wigutow had been hired to rewrite the script.[11] That same month, Boxleitner and Garrett Hedlund were confirmed to be returning for the sequel.[12]
In March 2015, it was revealed that Disney had officially greenlit the third film with Hedlund, Kosinski and Olivia Wilde set to return, and production due to begin in October in Vancouver.[13][14][15][16] However, in May, it was announced that Disney had scrapped the film,[17] which would be confirmed by Wilde the following month.[18] It was stated the reason for the cancellation was a result of the box office failure of Tomorrowland.[19] In July, Boxleitner announced the cancellation of the film had ended his interest in returning to the franchise,[20] while in September, Hedlund would state he was told that the sequel was not "totally dead", and would be interested in returning should a new film be announced.[21]
In August 2016, Brigham Taylor, then a development executive at Disney, revealed discussions were being had about Tron's future.[22] In February 2017, during a Q&A session with Kosinski, he would state that the sequel was in more of a "cryogenic freeze" as opposed to completely cancelled. He would attribute Disney's then-recent acquisition of Lucasfilm and Marvel as reasons for Tron being put on the backburner.[23]
Reboot
editIn March 2017, despite Kosinski's remarks the month before, it was reported the franchise would be moving towards a reboot instead of a Legacy sequel, with Jared Leto attached to portray a new character named "Ares", a character that was retained from prior iterations of a sequel script.[24] In August 2020, Garth Davis was hired to direct the film, with Wigutow still involved to write the screenplay.[25] Patrice Vermette at the time had been hired to serve as the film's production designer.[26]
In March 2022, while promoting Morbius, Leto confirmed that the film was still happening.[27] By January 2023, Davis had exited as director, with Joachim Rønning entering negotiations to take the directing job.[28] Vermette would also depart as production designer.[26] In June, Evan Peters, Greta Lee and Jodie Turner-Smith joined the cast, and Jack Thorne was revealed to have written a draft of the script.[29][30][31] Cameron Monaghan and Sarah Desjardins would be added the following month.[32][33] In January 2024, Gillian Anderson joined the cast in an undisclosed role.[34]
Filming
editPrincipal photography was scheduled to begin in Vancouver[28] on August 14, 2023, but was postponed indefinitely due to the 2023 Writers Guild of America and the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strikes.[35][36] Following the conclusion of the strikes in early November 2023, filming was reportedly set to begin in early 2024.[37] However, in late November 2023, it was announced that production on the project would officially begin following the holiday season of the same year.[38] In January 2024, Rønning revealed production had begun,[39] under the working title Velcro.[40] Jeff Cronenweth serves as cinematographer.[41] A first look image was released by Disney in February, with Hasan Minhaj and Arturo Castro added to the cast.[42] Production occurred on the Cambie Bridge overnight on March 15.[43] In April, Jeff Bridges, who portrayed Kevin Flynn and Clu in the previous Tron films, confirmed his involvement in the film.[44] Filming wrapped on May 1.[45]
Music
editNine Inch Nails was announced in August 2024 to be providing the score for the film, marking the first time Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross have composed a soundtrack under the name of their band, instead of their own names.[46][47]
Release
editTron: Ares is scheduled to be released theatrically on October 10, 2025, including engagements in IMAX.[2][48]
References
edit- ^ Tyler Nelson, A.C.E.
- ^ a b Lang, Brent (April 5, 2024). "Disney Sets 'Star Wars' Movie 'The Mandalorian & Grogu,' 'Toy Story 5' and Live-Action 'Moana' for 2026 Release Dates". Variety. Retrieved April 5, 2024.
- ^ Dick, Jeremy (February 29, 2024). "Disney Unveils First Look and Plot Details for Tron: Ares". CBR. Retrieved June 3, 2024.
- ^ Cornet, Roth (October 29, 2010). "Steven Lisberger Talks 'Tron: 3' & the Global 'Tron' Phenomena". Screen Rant. Screen Rant, LLC. Retrieved December 29, 2010.
- ^ Sciretta, Peter (April 6, 2010). "Screenwriters Return for Tron Legacy Sequel". SLASH FILM. Retrieved December 29, 2010.
- ^ Ronin (April 8, 2011). "TRON 3 details". Heavy Eggs. Retrieved April 8, 2011.
- ^ "Director Joseph Kosinski Talks TRON 3; Two Weeks Away from Draft With "Much Broader Appeal," Still Working on Title". Collider. March 31, 2013. Archived from the original on August 21, 2014. Retrieved October 5, 2014.
- ^ Kit, Borys (June 7, 2011). "'Tron: Legacy' Sequel in Motion with New Writer (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved June 9, 2011.
- ^ DeSaulnier, Jordan (March 8, 2012). "IAR Exclusive: Bruce Boxleitner Gives an Update on 'TRON' Sequel and Animated Series". I Am Rogue. Archived from the original on April 12, 2012. Retrieved May 4, 2012.
- ^ Keck, William (June 4, 2012). "Keck's Exclusives First Look: Tron Reboots Olivia Wilde's Quorra". TV Guide. Yahoo. Retrieved June 19, 2012.
- ^ Kit, Borys (December 5, 2012). "'Tron' Sequel Back on the Grid at Disney (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved December 5, 2012.
- ^ Wickman, Kase (December 13, 2012). "Confirmed: Garrett Hedlund Will Star in 'Tron 3'". MTV Networks. Next Movie. Retrieved December 17, 2012.
- ^ Chan, Kenneth (March 10, 2015). "Tron 3 to be film in Vancouver this fall". Vancity Buzz. Archived from the original on November 10, 2017. Retrieved March 10, 2015.
- ^ Vlessing, Etan (March 11, 2015). "Joseph Kosinski to Disney's 'Tron 3'". The Hollywood Reporter.
- ^ Kit, Borys (April 7, 2015). "Olivia Wilde Reteams With Garrett Hedlund for 'Tron 3'". The Hollywood Reporter.
- ^ [1]
- ^ Ford, Rebecca (May 29, 2015). "Disney Not Moving Forward With 'Tron 3' (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. (Prometheus Global Media). Retrieved May 30, 2015.
- ^ Nessif, Bruna (June 2, 2015). "Olivia Wilde Confirms Tron 3 Is Not Happening, But Here's the Good News..." E! Online. Retrieved August 4, 2015.
- ^ Perez, Rodrigo (May 30, 2015). "Disney Cancels Tron 3 Following The Disappointment Of Tomorrowland". IndieWire. Retrieved December 7, 2023.
- ^ Topel, Fred (July 30, 2015). "Exclusive: Bruce Boxleitner on 'Tron 3′ – "I'm Done With It. I've Moved On"". Slashfilm. Retrieved August 4, 2015.
- ^ Siegel, Lucas (September 24, 2015). "EXCLUSIVE: Tron 3 "Not Totally Dead," Says Garrett Hedlund". Comicbook.com. Archived from the original on July 11, 2017. Retrieved September 25, 2015.
- ^ Chipman, Bob (August 8, 2016). "TRON 3: Disney Producer Still Hopeful For Sequel". ScreenRant.com. Retrieved August 15, 2016.
- ^ Goldburg, Matt (March 1, 2017). "Exclusive: Joseph Kosinski Reveals the Plot for 'TRON 3'; Says It's an "Invasion Movie"". Collider. Retrieved February 17, 2019.
- ^ Kit, Borys (March 3, 2017). "'Tron' Reboot: Jared Leto Circling Lead Role at Disney (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved March 3, 2017.
- ^ Kroll, Justin (August 10, 2020). "'Lion' Director Garth Davis To Direct Disney's New 'Tron' Movie With Jared Leto". Deadline. Retrieved August 10, 2020.
- ^ a b Sayre, Will (October 6, 2023). "Exclusive: Dune's Oscar-Winning Production Designer Talks Bringing Prime Video's Foe to Life". MovieWeb. Retrieved December 8, 2023.
- ^ Hood, Cooper (March 22, 2022). "Jared Leto Offers Promising Tron 3 Movie Update". Screen Rant. Red Ventures. Retrieved March 23, 2022.
- ^ a b Fleming, Mike Jr. (January 19, 2023). "Disney Moving On Tron: Ares; Joachim Rønning In Talks To Helm Jared Leto In Sci-Fi Sequel: The Dish". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved January 19, 2023.
- ^ Kit, Borys (June 28, 2023). "Dahmer Star Evan Peters Joins Jared Leto in Disney's Tron 3". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved June 28, 2023.
- ^ ‘Past Lives’ Breakout Greta Lee Lands Leading Role in ‘Tron 3’ (Exclusive)
- ^ Kit, Borys (June 30, 2023). "Jodi Turner-Smith Joins Jared Leto in Disney's 'Tron 3'". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved June 30, 2023.
- ^ Grobar, Matt (July 12, 2023). "Tron: Ares Casts Cameron Monaghan". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
- ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (July 12, 2023). "Yellowjackets Star Sarah Desjardins Boards Tron: Ares". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
- ^ Ntim, Zac (January 22, 2024). "Gillian Anderson Joins 'Tron: Ares'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved January 22, 2024.
- ^ Hibberd, James (August 15, 2023). "'Tron: Ares' Delayed as Director Criticizes "Extremely Frustrating" Strike Talks". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved August 15, 2023.
- ^ Bajer, Ted (July 21, 2023). "Tron 3: Plot, Cast, and Everything Else We Know". MovieWeb. Retrieved July 28, 2023.
- ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony; Kroll, Justin (November 8, 2023). "'Deadpool 3', 'Gladiator 2', 'Beetlejuice 2', 'Juror No. 2' & 'Venom 3' Among Film Productions To Restart ASAP As Hollywood Gets Back To Work Post-Strike". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on November 9, 2023. Retrieved November 20, 2023.
- ^ McPherson, Chris (November 20, 2023). "'Tron: Ares' Starts Filming After the Holidays [Exclusive]". Collider. Retrieved November 30, 2023.
- ^ McPherson, Chris (January 19, 2024). "Prepare to Re-Enter the Grid as 'Tron: Ares' Officially Begins Filming". Collider. Valnet Inc. Retrieved January 20, 2024.
- ^ Gittins, Susan (January 20, 2024). "Tron: Ares With Jared Leto Filming in Vancouver: Week One on the Grid". Hollywood North Buzz. Retrieved January 21, 2024.
- ^ Giardina, Carolyn (April 19, 2023). "NAB Wrap: Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Production and Future of Broadcasting in Focus". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved December 8, 2023.
- ^ Grobar, Matt (February 29, 2024). "Tron: Ares First Look Photo Unveiled By Disney". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved February 29, 2024.
- ^ William-Ross, Lindsay (March 15, 2024). "Photos + Video: A peek at the 'Tron: Ares' film shoot on Vancouver's Cambie Bridge". Vancouver is Awesome. Retrieved April 27, 2024.
- ^ Grobar, Matt (April 29, 2024). "Jeff Bridges Returning For Tron: Ares". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved April 29, 2024.
- ^ "DGC BC Production List" (PDF). Directors Guild of Canada. February 23, 2024. p. 7. Archived (PDF) from the original on February 25, 2024. Retrieved February 25, 2024.
- ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (August 9, 2024). "Nine Inch Nails Are Taking On The Score To Tron: Ares". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved August 10, 2024.
- ^ Kreps, Daniel (August 10, 2024). "Nine Inch Nails to Score Upcoming Tron: Ares Film". Rolling Stone. Retrieved August 11, 2024.
- ^ "Imax Touts 2025 Slate: Biggest-Ever Filmed with Its Cameras Includes 'M:I 8', 'Superman: Legacy' & 'Tron: Ares'". May 16, 2024.
External links
edit- Tron: Ares at IMDb