Jared Leto, Jeff Bridges, and more take the stage for TRON: Ares.
San Diego Comic-Con’s famed Hall H lit up with digital energy as Disney unveiled its highly anticipated sci-fi blockbuster TRON: Ares. Moderator Kevin Smith welcomed an all-star lineup. It included Jared Leto, Greta Lee, Evan Peters, Jodie Turner-Smith, Hasan Minhaj, Arturo Castro, Cameron Monaghan, Gillian Anderson, and original TRON icon Jeff Bridges.
Director Joachim Rønning and TRON creator Steven Lisberger joined the cast to discuss the third installment of the franchise, which premieres in theaters on Oct. 10, 2025.
Exclusive Footage Wows Comic-Con Crowd
The crowd was treated to a thrilling light cycle chase scene and an extended look at the Dillinger Grid—an immersive new digital world crafted by the character Julian Dillinger. The jaw-dropping sequences showcased the franchise’s signature blend of neon-drenched design and cutting-edge VFX.
As if that wasn’t enough, the panel debuted the music video for the new Nine Inch Nails single “As Alive as You Need Me to Be,” which serves as the first release from the TRON: Ares soundtrack. The GRAMMY-winning band’s pulsating track complements the high-energy action featured throughout the film.
A Story About Humanity and AI
“Ares’s journey is all about what it means and takes to be human,” said Rønning. “That’s why I wanted to tell this story. TRON: Ares is a full-blooded cinema experience. Myself and hundreds of amazing craftspeople have worked our asses off for two years to make sure of that.”
The film centers on Ares. He is a highly sophisticated Program sent from the digital world into the real one on a dangerous mission, marking humanity’s first encounter with artificial intelligence. The story explores identity, purpose, and the delicate line between humanity and technology.
Creative Team and Legacy Connection
TRON: Ares is directed by Joachim Rønning and produced by Sean Bailey, Jared Leto, Emma Ludbrook, Jeffrey Silver, Justin Springer, and Steven Lisberger. Executive producers include Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, Russell Allen, and TRON: Legacy director Joseph Kosinski.
The screenplay is by Jesse Wigutow. It is based on a story by David DiGilio and Wigutow, and builds on characters created by Lisberger and Bonnie MacBird. The film aims to strike a balance between franchise legacy and a bold, cinematic leap forward.
Fans Take Home Exclusive Poster
To cap off the presentation, every attendee received an exclusive TRON: Ares San Diego Comic-Con poster.
TRON: Ares opens exclusively in theaters on Oct. 10, 2025. The single “As Alive as You Need Me to Be” by Nine Inch Nails is now streaming: https://nineinchnails.lnk.to/TRONAres.
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Sean Tajipour
Sean Tajipour is the Founder and Editor of Nerdtropolis and the host of the Moviegoers Society and Reel Insights Podcast. He is also a member of the Critics Choice Association. You can follow on Twitter and Instagram @Seantaj.
