The highly anticipated TRON: Ares offers a fresh and audacious angle for the franchise’s third installment. This new film aims to build upon the foundation laid by TRON: Legacy and inject thrilling elements into the storyline, making it a noteworthy addition expected later this year.
Featuring Jared Leto in the lead role and the beloved Jeff Bridges returning as Kevin Flynn, TRON: Ares is set to hit theaters this autumn, marking a significant 15-year gap since the release of its predecessor. Despite having a devoted fan base, the financial outcomes of the TRON series have historically fallen short compared to other Disney properties, with TRON: Legacy often labeled as a franchise-ending movie. That said, if the filmmakers channel the right themes in TRON: Ares, they could reverse this trend and reinvigorate interest in the series.
The Unique Vehicle Designs and Their Impact in the Real World
The design elements of TRON’s various vehicles are fascinating and memorable, particularly the light bikes, which stand out as the franchise’s most iconic representation. The recent trailer reveals the dangers they pose when they materialize in the real world, showcasing a thrilling juxtaposition. Other vehicles, including tanks and massive ships, further demonstrate the creative potential of the TRON universe. However, the bizarre appearance of these vehicles can evoke mixed emotions. The recognizers, for example, are massive floating structures that resemble imposing arches.
In a striking scene from the trailer, a recognizer glides between towering city skyscrapers, its size reminiscent of grand kaiju films such as those in the Monsterverse. Additionally, the visually arresting moment where a light bike’s stream cuts through a police car exemplifies the destructive power these vehicles possess, highlighting their capability for chaos in an otherwise serene environment.
Embracing Disaster Movie Aesthetics in TRON: Ares
Trailer Highlights the Frightening Crossover of Digital and Reality
The first trailer of TRON: Ares features actress Greta Lee gazing upward in awe and fear, embodying the tension of characters in disaster films. This overwhelming expression parallels the classic imagery of characters witnessing approaching storms or tsunamis. While this narrative shares similarities with alien invasion stories, the incorporation of a disaster movie framework adds an intriguing layer to the sequel’s appeal.
For fans familiar with the digital worlds portrayed in previous films, bringing these elements to Earth may prove to be a brilliant conceptual shift, even if the “video game comes to life”trope feels somewhat overused in modern storytelling.
Embracing the Unconventional Aesthetic of TRON
TRON’s Visual Style Paves the Way for Unique Horror Elements
The TRON franchise boasts a distinct visual identity that few other series can match. From the groundbreaking graphics of the original 1982 film to the kaleidoscopic aesthetics of TRON: Legacy, which redefined the blockbuster landscape of the 2010s, the series is characterized by its vivid, neon colors. TRON: Ares continues this legacy, evolving the palette by introducing a bold and vibrant red, which sets the tone for its intense narrative.
This new visual palette, combined with an electrifying score by Nine Inch Nails, could herald a striking and intimidating transformation of the TRON universe. I’m eager to witness humanity’s initial confrontation with the A.I. entities and, should TRON: Ares successfully deliver thrilling action sequences and suspenseful moments, Disney might find itself with another beloved chapter in the TRON saga.