On Oct.11, 2025 Disney released its new movie “Tron: Ares,” a reboot of the classic and beloved sci-fi franchise “Tron.”
I grew up watching the “Tron” movies and I loved them. The electronic music and the synths, the classic motorbikes with the rays of light streaming behind. The whole idea of another world inside our technology is so intriguing and appealing, and it was a revolutionary idea when the first movie was originally released in 1982, particularly with its introduction of artificial intelligence within the plot. “Tron” is a classic, what’s not to love?
Nevertheless, when I first heard the announcement for a reboot, I was a bit skeptical, given that recently Disney has ruined so many beloved franchises in its constant persistence with reboots and live actions. Many things lose their charm and their appeal and, most of all, their history when this happens. For example, the new “Snow White” that released early 2025 was one of the worst remakes created in history. Disney’s “attempt” at creating greater depth to the character of Snow White turned her into a rebel leader. Her sole purpose was to bring about justice. You could take Snow White out and have the same movie. And that is only one example from the exhaustive list of critiques I have for many different films of recent. Like “Snow White” and so many other things being released in the past few years like “Mufasa,” “Lilo and Stitch,” and multiple others, “Tron Ares” looked like another money grab from Disney Pictures. And that is exactly what was going through my head when I heard they were making another “Tron” movie. But when I went to the theatres to watch it, I was met with an unexpected surprise.
From the beginning of the movie, it had already begun with the same intro as “Tron: Legacy” from 2010 with electronic lasers lighting up the iconic Disney Castle.
So far, critics have viewed this movie as pointless and illogical, critic Wengli Ma describes “an assault to the senses.” While critics look upon this movie with frowns upon their face, many longtime fans of the franchise such as myself thoroughly enjoyed the movie. I personally loved seeing all the easter eggs and references to the first movies, but unlike many movies nowadays that shove those facts in your face, “Tron: Ares” established the setting and history of “Tron” with ease and subtlety. They beautifully wove in the history of “Tron” with completely new characters with the same ties to Encom and to Dillinger Systems.
Furthermore, while it made many references to the old movies, it did so in a way that new audiences could understand and still enjoy with its bright colors and old 80s video game feel. “Tron: Ares” was very much a sweet tribute movie to the ones that came before while hailing in a new generation where now the whole world has access to the famous Grid.
I, for one, am so excited to see where Disney takes this new story. Will we meet the Flynn family again? What will happen with Jullian Dillinger? A Disney movie has not had me on the edge of my seat in a long time. If anything could get me back on board with Disney, the renewed “Tron” franchise may lead Disney back to the top of movie producers.
Photo Courtesy of Beres Ioan in Unsplash