The sci-fi blockbuster Tron: Ares has teased a mind-blowing sequel as it gave audiences a glimpse into its blood-pumping adventure. Directed by Joachim Rønning and starring Jared Leto, Tron: Ares will center around the titular AI program when he is sent from the digital world to the real world on a high-stakes mission.

Though a sequel to Tron: Legacy has long been in demand, first trailer for Tron: Ares showed what such a story would look like on the big screen, complete with dazzling visuals, high-octane action, and a sprawling conflict. As a result, it now seems like Tron: Ares's setting may actually become the best film in the Tron franchise so far.

I've Been Skeptical About Tron: Ares Ever Since Its Mostly Earth-Based Story Was Revealed

Tron: Ares Presents A Bold New Chapter In This Iconic Franchise

Much of the Tron franchise's appeal has come from its eye-catching visuals, many of which have been presented in a digital environment. By placing live-action characters in a neon, virtual world, the Tron films became thrilling, escapist adventures that many people could enjoy. While the first Tron film's visuals haven't aged that well since its premiere in 1982, Tron: Legacy showed the franchise's true potential with its realistic and groundbreaking digital world in 2010, which is what made the third film such a highly anticipated blockbuster.

However, when it was revealed that a large portion of Tron: Ares would take place in the real world, it seemed like the film would've been a downgrade for the franchise. For the most part, the Tron films' excitement has been found within the digital world, where neon visuals and high-speed races are abundant. A story mainly set outside of this world didn't seem like the kind of thing that a Tron fan would pay money to see.

Tron: Ares' Trailer Proves Why An Earth-Based Story Is So Exciting

Tron: Ares' Trailer Teases An Explosive Clash Of The Real And Digital Worlds

Footage for Tron: Ares was revealed at CinemaCon 2025, which showed Ares and several other AI programs leaving the world of the Grid and entering the physical world. Over a decade after Tron: Legacy's release, Tron: Ares puts a whole new spin on the Tron franchise by showing the virtual world entering the real one, with lightcycles and flying carriers blending seamlessly with the live-action world.

This visual approach presents a unique perspective of the Tron franchise that justifies the existence of Tron: Ares. By presenting most of the story in the Grid, the sequel could've seemed repetitive and not as exciting. Seeing the advanced weapons and technology being brought to the real world in the trailer, it is also clear that humanity is not prepared for the fight against AI that is coming, making Tron: Ares all the more enticing.

In the end, it looks like Tron: Ares could actually revive the franchise with its Earth-based setting. Though past films have captivated audiences with their dazzling virtual environments, Tron: Ares is taking the next logical step by showing the AI invading the physical world in an epic new conflict. With such advanced CGI on display, this threequel effectively places its dazzling, neon visuals in the live-action world, which should make for a distinctive and eye-catching addition to the Tron franchise.