Tron: Ares is the third installment in the Tron series and the sequel to Tron: Legacy. Written by Jesse Wigutow & directed by Joachim Rønning, the film stars Jared Leto, Greta Lee, Evan Peters, Jodie Turner-Smith, Hasan Minhaj, Arturo Castro, Gillian Anderson, and Jeff Bridges. A highly sophisticated Program called Ares is sent from the digital world into the real world on a dangerous mission, marking humankind’s first encounter with A.I. beings.

I still remember exactly where I was 15 years ago when I first stepped into the world of Tron through 2010’s Tron: Legacy. When Disney never followed it up, it felt like they were sitting on a gold mine — and for a while, I thought I was one of the few who actually loved it. Over time, though, Legacy has earned a well-deserved cult following, much like the original. I’ve never been as attached to the first film, but the sequel alone was enough to make me a fan. Between its stunning digital world and a soundtrack by one of my all-time favorite bands, Nine Inch Nails, Tron: Legacy became one of my most anticipated films that year. Jared Leto, however? Not so much.

It feels strangely surreal to be genuinely excited for a new Tron movie. While plenty of fans share that excitement, just as many seem uneasy about Jared Leto’s involvement. The irony is that, without Leto, this movie probably wouldn’t exist — so, in a weird way, we kind of have him to thank for it. It’s a complicated feeling. What’s not complicated, though, is how breathtakingly immersive the film is. Flaws aside, it’s a visual and auditory spectacle that absolutely deserves to be experienced on the big screen.

I honestly can’t imagine experiencing this anywhere but in a theater. Seeing it in IMAX was unreal — the visuals are so striking that I found myself completely absorbed in the world of Tron. There’s even a nice callback to the original that I appreciated. Paired with the phenomenal Nine Inch Nails soundtrack, it became a theatrical experience unlike anything else. I’ve had the soundtrack on repeat ever since its release; their music fits the film perfectly and might be the closest I’ll ever get to seeing the band live. Much like Legacy, this film establishes its own distinct identity. And while I would’ve loved a direct continuation of Legacy, I really appreciate how each Tron entry has its own style and voice that sets it apart.

The film delivers an action-packed spectacle filled with jaw-dropping, immersive moments. Bringing the world of Tron into the real world is an inspired concept — and one that genuinely thrilled me. The way the film blends its digital and physical environments is nothing short of stunning, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it ends up earning an Oscar nomination for Best Visual Effects.

Even though Jared Leto is billed as the lead, he didn’t bother me as much as I expected — but he didn’t impress me either. It’s one of his more restrained performances, and while he seems to understand what the role requires, his character’s motivation to become human feels underdeveloped. The film clearly wants to explore the ethics of A.I., but I never fully believed in Ares’s desire to cross that line between program and person.

The film struggles with identifying its true main character. Greta Lee — the real standout — has the most depth and easily could’ve carried the story as its lead. Jodie Turner-Smith also delivers a strong performance, while Evan Peters, though intriguing, never quite finds the right tone. Unfortunately, the film juggles far too many characters, to the point where it’s surprising that actors like Gillian Anderson even signed on for such limited roles. There’s also an overreliance on comic relief from the side characters, who lack the development needed to make them compelling — or capable of sustaining the franchise if it continues in this direction.

The story’s direction is arguably the film’s weakest link — and likely the reason it will divide audiences. Jeff Bridges appears only briefly in what feels more like a glorified cameo, channeling shades of his Big Lebowski persona rather than his original Tron character. The narrative takes far too long to find its footing, weighed down by too many moving parts before the real plot kicks in. Ultimately, the film feels more like a prologue to something bigger. Characters like Ares suffer from thin motivation, which could be an issue if the franchise continues down this path. With the ongoing controversy surrounding Jared Leto, it’s hard to imagine Disney fully committing to him long-term. Still, if the box office proves there’s an appetite for more Tron, Disney may decide to push forward. Personally, I hope they return to Jeff Bridges’ character — the true heart and soul of this series.

Overall, Tron: Ares shines brightest as a visual and auditory spectacle, delivering some truly immersive action sequences. Greta Lee and Jodie Turner-Smith are clear standouts, bringing depth and energy to an otherwise uneven ensemble. Unfortunately, the film’s convoluted plot, thin character motivations, and ineffective comic relief hold it back from reaching its full potential. Still, it looks and sounds incredible on the big screen. I hope Disney continues the franchise — just in a different direction.

VERDICT: 3/5 – Good