Tron: Ares’ Trailer Unveiled at D23, Featuring Jared Leto, Jeff Bridges, and Nine Inch Nails

Disney’s D23 Expo has always been a treasure trove of exciting announcements, and this year was no exception. Among the many revelations, one that particularly stood out was the unveiling of the trailer for Tron: Ares, the third installment in the beloved Tron franchise. This new film, set to be released on October 10, 2025, promises to take fans on another visually stunning journey into the digital world, this time with Jared Leto leading an all-star cast. The trailer, which was revealed to an enthusiastic crowd, addresses current debates around AI and big tech, making it not just a visual spectacle but also a thought-provoking narrative.

The trailer opens with Evan Peters’ character, Julian Dillinger, making a compelling statement: ‘We’ve been looking in the wrong direction for intelligent life.’ This sets the tone for a film that aims to explore the intersections between the digital and real worlds in ways that previous installments have only hinted at. Jared Leto’s character, Ares, is introduced with a sinister narration, expressing a desire to find something important and permanent. The visuals are nothing short of breathtaking, featuring slick neon aesthetics, high-octane motorbike chases, and the iconic light cycles zooming through city streets. It’s clear that Tron: Ares aims to push the boundaries of what can be achieved with digital effects.

One of the most exciting aspects of Tron: Ares is its score, which will be composed by Nine Inch Nails. This marks the first time that Trent Reznor’s groundbreaking group will handle the music for a film under the band’s name. Reznor and his collaborator Atticus Ross have previously scored more than a dozen films, including critically acclaimed works like The Social Network and Soul. However, this project is particularly special as it will also feature new original songs from Nine Inch Nails, making it their first new music release since 2020. The trailer itself features the hauntingly beautiful Nine Inch Nails song ‘Something I Can Never Have,’ setting a perfect tone for the film.

Jeff Bridges, who starred in the original Tron film back in 1982, took the stage at D23 to reflect on the legacy of the franchise. He was joined by his new co-stars, including Jared Leto, Greta Lee, and Evan Peters. Bridges reminisced about the early days of Tron, a film that quickly became a cult classic for its innovative use of computer-generated imagery. He expressed his excitement about returning to the Tron universe, particularly at a time when discussions around technology and AI are more relevant than ever. His character, Kevin Flynn, makes a surprising return in Tron: Ares, appearing as an apparition towards the end of the trailer, much to the delight of fans.

Greta Lee plays a pivotal role in the film as Eve Kim, a brilliant programmer who allows Ares to enter the real world. Her character is crucial in bridging the gap between the digital and physical realms, and her interactions with Ares promise to be a highlight of the film. The dynamic between Leto and Lee’s characters adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, making it more than just a simple good-versus-evil story. Their relationship explores themes of trust, ambition, and the ethical implications of advanced technology, making Tron: Ares a timely addition to the franchise.

The ensemble cast for Tron: Ares also includes notable names such as Hasan Minhaj, Jodie Turner-Smith, Arturo Castro, Cameron Monaghan, and Gillian Anderson. Each of these actors brings their unique talents to the film, contributing to a rich tapestry of characters that populate both the digital and real worlds. Minhaj, known for his sharp wit and incisive commentary, is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the film’s narrative. Meanwhile, Anderson’s involvement adds a touch of gravitas, given her extensive experience in science fiction roles.

Tron: Ares has faced its share of production delays and changes in directors and cast, but the excitement surrounding its release is palpable. Fans have been eagerly awaiting news of the third Tron film for over a decade, and the reveal at D23 did not disappoint. The film’s director, Joachim Rønning, along with writers Jesse Wigutow and Jack Thorne, have crafted a story that not only honors the legacy of the original films but also pushes the narrative into new and exciting directions. The anticipation for Tron: Ares is a testament to the enduring appeal of the Tron universe.

The original Tron film, released in 1982, was a groundbreaking achievement in the realm of special effects and storytelling. It introduced audiences to a world inside a computer mainframe, where programs took on human forms and battled for control. The film was praised for its innovative use of computer-generated imagery, a technology that was still in its infancy at the time. Despite mixed reviews from critics, Tron quickly gained a cult following, cementing its place in the annals of science fiction cinema. Its sequel, Tron: Legacy, released in 2010, continued the story and introduced new characters while bringing back familiar faces like Jeff Bridges.

Tron: Legacy was a box office success, grossing over $400 million worldwide. However, it received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its visual effects and soundtrack while others criticized its storyline. The film’s score, composed by Daft Punk, was particularly well-received, earning several awards and nominations. The French electronic duo even made a cameo appearance in the film, further cementing their association with the Tron franchise. With Nine Inch Nails now taking over the musical reins, fans are eager to see how the band’s dark, industrial sound will complement the neon-lit world of Tron.

The announcement of Tron: Ares at D23 was met with overwhelming excitement from the crowd. Fans of the franchise have been clamoring for a new installment for years, and the reveal did not disappoint. The trailer showcased the film’s stunning visuals, high-stakes action sequences, and intriguing storyline, all set to the haunting melodies of Nine Inch Nails. It’s clear that Tron: Ares aims to be more than just a sequel; it seeks to expand the Tron universe in bold and innovative ways, exploring themes that resonate deeply with contemporary audiences.

As we look forward to the release of Tron: Ares, it’s worth reflecting on the impact that the Tron franchise has had on the world of science fiction and popular culture. From its pioneering use of computer-generated imagery to its exploration of complex themes like artificial intelligence and digital identity, Tron has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible in film. With Jared Leto, Jeff Bridges, and an all-star cast leading the charge, and Nine Inch Nails providing the soundtrack, Tron: Ares promises to be a worthy addition to this iconic series.

In conclusion, Tron: Ares is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated films of 2025. The combination of a star-studded cast, a compelling storyline, and a groundbreaking score by Nine Inch Nails makes it a must-watch for fans of science fiction and the Tron franchise alike. The reveal at Disney’s D23 Expo has set the stage for what promises to be an epic continuation of the Tron saga. As we count down the days to its release, one thing is certain: Tron: Ares will take us on a thrilling ride into the digital world, challenging our perceptions of reality and the future of technology.