What happens when a simple code becomes something more?

In the latest installment of the Tron universe, Jared Leto portrays Ares, a sophisticated Artificial Intelligence (AI) program tasked with a dangerous mission on Earth. At Ares’ side — and mostly at odds with him — is Athena, his second-in-command, portrayed by Jodie Turner-Smith.

Ares rebels against his mission, which is to kill Eve Kim (Greta Lee) in order to obtain the “permanence code” needed for Julian Dillinger’s (Evan Peters) humanoids that only live for 29 minutes.

“It captured my imagination and showed me a world I never imagined before. It was this combination of technology and creativity that really attracted me,” Leto said. 

The film portrays humankind’s first encounter with AI in the flesh and a test of what happens when code meets conscience.  

“The bar was really high. I wanted to design something new, but familiar. What drew me to the project was the mix of the digital and real worlds. Having a Program exist in the real world was interesting for me — I hadn’t seen that before. And the idea of Ares finding out what it means to be human was fascinating,” director Joachim Rønning added. 

Lee’s Eve Kim, just like Dillinger, has been searching for the elusive code written by software engineer Kevin Flynn (the protagonist of 1982’s Tron). Ares finds himself questioning not just his programming but also his place in the world of humans. 

Over a decade since its last installment, Tron: Ares is set to dive deeper into the intersection between the digital grid and the human world. Furthermore, the film raises questions that feel especially timely in today’s age of AI and blurring digital and physical realities.

Adding to the immersive experience of the film is a soundtrack brought to life by Nine Inch Nails, whose industrial edge amplifies both the high-adrenaline chases and the quieter beats of Ares’ inner conflict. 

The cyberpunk thriller for the new era also stars Hasan Minhaj as Ajay Singh, Arturo Castro as Seth, Emmy winner Gillian Anderson as Elisabeth Dillinger, Cameron Monaghan as Caius, and Oscar winner Jeff Bridges returning as the legendary Kevin Flynn.

With its signature neon visuals, breathtaking action, and a story that mirrors our own world’s relationship with technology, Tron: Ares is both a continuation and a reimagining of a groundbreaking legacy.

Tron: Ares is now showing in Philippine cinemas nationwide.