Disney has just released the full trailer for Tron: Ares, the long-awaited third installment in the Tron franchise, and it marks a bold, new direction: instead of humans entering the Grid, a digital entity enters our world for the first time. Jared Leto stars as Ares, a supercharged AI assassin created by tech mogul Julian Dillinger (played by Evan Peters). Described as “biblically strong, lightning-fast, supremely intelligent,” Ares is sent into reality to execute a mysterious mission, and his ability to respawn makes him nearly impossible to kill
The trailer doesn’t hold back on visuals or stakes—neon-drenched action spills into our world, from devastating light-cycle chases cutting through police convoys to ominous machines like Recognizers looming over cityscapes. Central to the story is the chilling declaration from Dillinger: “If he’s destroyed, I’ll just remake him,” underscoring the disposable nature of intelligent digital beings—a theme with stark parallels to our real-world AI anxietie
The ensemble cast packs serious talent: Greta Lee joins as Eve Kim, with additional support from Gillian Anderson, Hasan Minhaj, Jodie Turner‑Smith, Cameron Monaghan, Arturo Castro—and a much-anticipated return by Jeff Bridges reprising his role as Kevin Flynn. That return is especially intriguing given Flynn’s apparent death in Tron: Legacy, sparking speculation about recreated identities or hidden copies of his program living on in the Grid.
A key element setting this film apart is its soundtrack: industrial rock pioneers Nine Inch Nails have crafted the score, including the lead single “As Alive as You Need Me to Be,” released July 17, 2025. This marks the first time Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross are scoring a film under the Nine Inch Nails name, and Disney has emphasized the grittier, industrial contrast they bring between the digital and physical worlds. The full soundtrack album, featuring 24 tracks, is scheduled for September 19, 2025, through Interscope Records
In summary, the Tron franchise is being redefined. Tron: Ares flips the familiar premise, unleashing AI into our world with breathtaking visuals, a provocative thematic edge, and a visceral Nine Inch Nails soundtrack. With its October release fast approaching, it’s shaping up to be a provocative, high‑octane entry that digs into real-world AI concerns while offering the neon spectacle fans expect.