Disney has released a breathtaking new trailer for Tron: Ares, the latest chapter in the iconic sci-fi franchise that began with 1982’s Tron. Starring Jared Leto as Ares, a rogue AI program, this reboot dives into a visually stunning narrative of artificial intelligence breaking free from the digital realm into the human world. Directed by Joachim Rønning, Tron: Ares blends cutting-edge visuals with a pulsating score by Nine Inch Nails, setting the stage for a bold evolution of the Tron universe.
The trailer opens with a haunting view of The Grid, its neon-lit circuits humming with energy. Jared Leto’s Ares, a sleek and enigmatic program, steps into the real world, sparking humanity’s first encounter with AI. The footage showcases heart-pounding action, including a high-speed lightcycle chase through city streets, where Ares’ red lightcycle slices through a police car with surgical precision. Iconic Tron elements like the Recognizer hover ominously, while Jeff Bridges returns as Kevin Flynn, delivering a weathered, prophetic presence. The ensemble cast—featuring Evan Peters, Greta Lee, Jodie Turner-Smith, Cameron Monaghan, Hasan Minhaj, Arturo Castro, and Gillian Anderson—adds layers to a story that explores the collision of technology and humanity.
A standout feature of the trailer is its score, crafted by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross of Nine Inch Nails. Their new single, As Alive as You Need Me to Be, drives the trailer with a gritty, industrial edge, a stark departure from the synth-driven sounds of Tron’s Wendy Carlos or Tron: Legacy’s Daft Punk. The track’s raw intensity complements the film’s darker tone, reflecting the stakes of Ares’ dangerous mission. Disney has confirmed the full Tron: Ares soundtrack album, composed by Reznor and Ross, will drop on September 19, 2025, promising a sonic experience as immersive as the film’s visuals.
Visually, Tron: Ares merges the sleek aesthetic of The Grid with the tactile chaos of the real world. Rønning’s direction amplifies the franchise’s signature style—neon-drenched digital landscapes meet gritty urban environments—while introducing new elements like real-world lightcycle battles and towering digital constructs. The trailer teases a narrative that grapples with AI’s role in society, with Ares’ mission threatening to blur the lines between code and reality. Industrial Light & Magic’s special effects, showcased in the trailer, elevate the film’s spectacle, particularly in scenes filmed for IMAX.
Complementing the trailer is a striking new poster, featuring a red-and-black design with Ares clinging to a digital wall and a cityscape below, hinting at the film’s intense visual narrative.
The production of Tron: Ares faced challenges, including delays from the 2023 Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA strikes, but filming wrapped in Vancouver in May 2024. Rønning, who took over from Garth Davis in 2023, has crafted a film that honors the Tron legacy while pushing it into bold new territory. Disney first hinted at the film’s scale at D23 2024, with additional footage shown at D23 Brazil and CinemaCon 2025, building anticipation for this reboot.
Tron: Ares is set to hit theaters on October 10, 2025, distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. Audiences can expect a cinematic journey that redefines the Tron universe with stunning visuals, a gripping story, and a soundtrack that pulses with raw energy.
