History of Tron: Ares in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 18, 2025

Tron: Ares is the third film in the Tron series, following Tron: Legacy. Directed by Joachim Rønning, with a screenplay by Jesse Wigutow, the film continues the science fiction action saga. The cast includes Jared Leto, Greta Lee, Evan Peters, Hasan Minhaj, Jodie Turner-Smith, Arturo Castro, Cameron Monaghan, and Gillian Anderson. Jeff Bridges reprises his role as Kevin Flynn. The film promises to expand the Tron universe with new characters and storylines.

1989: Pretty Hate Machine Release

In 1989, Nine Inch Nails released their album Pretty Hate Machine, which includes the song "Something I Can Never Have".

October 2010: Tron: Legacy Sequel in Development

In October 2010, Steven Lisberger, the creator of the Tron franchise, initiated the development of a sequel to Tron: Legacy.

March 2017: Franchise Reboot Plans

In March 2017, it was reported that the Tron franchise was shifting towards a reboot instead of a Legacy sequel, with Jared Leto attached to play a new character named "Ares".

August 2020: Garth Davis Hired to Direct

In August 2020, Garth Davis was hired as the director for the Tron reboot. Jesse Wigutow remained involved to write the screenplay, and Patrice Vermette was hired as the film's production designer.

March 2022: Leto Confirms Film is Still Happening

In March 2022, Jared Leto confirmed that the Tron film was still in development.

January 2023: Davis Exits as Director

In January 2023, Garth Davis left his role as director, and Joachim Rønning entered negotiations to take over. Patrice Vermette also departed as production designer.

August 14, 2023: Filming Postponed Due to Strikes

On August 14, 2023, the scheduled start of principal photography in Vancouver was postponed indefinitely due to the 2023 Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA strikes.

November 2023: Filming to Commence After Holiday Season

In late November 2023, it was announced that production on the Tron project would officially begin following the holiday season.

January 2024: Gillian Anderson Joins Cast

In January 2024, Gillian Anderson joined the cast in an undisclosed role.

January 2024: Production Begins Under Working Title

In January 2024, Joachim Rønning revealed that production had begun under the working title "Velcro". Jeff Cronenweth serves as cinematographer.

August 2024: Nine Inch Nails to Score Tron: Ares

In August 2024, Nine Inch Nails was officially announced as the artist providing the score for Tron: Ares, marking the first time Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross have composed a film score under the band's name.

August 2024: Nine Inch Nails Score and D23 Footage

In August 2024, footage for Tron: Ares premiered at the D23 event in Anaheim, featuring a remix of "Something I Can Never Have" by Nine Inch Nails. Nine Inch Nails was announced to be providing the score for the film.

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