Is Jeff Bridges’ Kevin Flynn Back in Tron: Ares? Here’s What We Think!

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I’ve been eagerly anticipating the premiere of a fresh trailer for Tron: Ares, and I didn’t expect to receive it this quickly. With the 2025 Disney movie scheduled for San Diego Comic-Con next weekend, I had been hoping for a sneak peek or even a public release of some footage. To my delight, the complete trailer for this Jared Leto-led production surfaced, revealing Jeff Bridges‘ character, Kevin Flynn, in the biodigital world…and it has sparked some speculation as to why he’s making another appearance.

Theory #1: There’s A Grid That Still Looks Like The OG Tron

According to updates from D23 in 2024, a new setting called the Dillinger Grid will be introduced in Tron: Ares. The Master Control Program of this grid is Ares, played by Jared Leto, while Julian Dillinger (Evan Peters) is the human manipulator who aims to exploit him for financial gain. It seems that the predominantly red color scheme of Ares and the marketing strategy for the film are designed with this plot in mind.

Ares, who appears to be an anti-hero in the making, engaging in conversation with the Maker himself.

Is anyone else picking up on Wendy Carlos’ iconic 1982 theme song, or is it just me? It seems like Ares is making a clear transition to a digital world reminiscent of the early Tron movie timeline, but with an aged Flynn character. Allow me to clarify this for you as well.

Theory #2: This Isn’t The Kevin Flynn, But Another Copy

For our discussion here, it’s important to note that the original character played by Kevin Flynn in the movie Tron: Legacy is deceased. In the film’s finale, he was merged with the antagonist CLU, leaving only a memory of him, symbolized by the necklace worn by Sam Flynn (Garrett Hedlund). With another Grid now in existence, it seems reasonable to assume that there must be another version of Kevin Flynn somewhere, correct?

Are you all set for another intriguing turn that might justify another Disney+ subscription? I have a feeling that this possible iteration of Kevin Flynn could be the brainchild of Sam! Remember, in the short film “The Next Day,” the young rebel ascended to the position of ENCOM’s leader, now controlled by Eve Kim (Greta Lee), a fresh face at Ares.

In the story of Tron: Ares, it’s uncertain where Sam (or Quorra, portrayed by Olivia Wilde) is located. However, what we do know is that for a period, the Son of Flynn was prepared to take control. He had the potential to assemble a new version of his father using any remaining code from Legacy, data stored at ENCOM Tower, and whatever additional resources he could gather.

Theory #3: Kevin Flynn Is Ares’ Way To Find The Permanence Code

I’m rather thankful I discovered the Permanence Code from Tron: Ares, especially since Kevin Flynn (whether it’s the original or a new version) seems closely connected to this significant artifact. If Sam Flynn is indeed responsible for creating this version of his father, he might have done so with the intention of finding that very code, which could be crucial in preserving Quorra’s existence in our reality.

Kevin Flynn 3.0 already knows the solution, which is why Ares must meet him. To carry on with the comparison, Ares can be seen as a modern-day Pinocchio, and Jeff Bridges serves as the Blue Fairy for Jared Leto’s character in this digital world. This setup might stir up conflicts, potentially leading to trouble that Julian Dillinger may have been advised to avoid by his mother Elizabeth (played by Gillian Anderson).

Indeed, it doesn’t appear to be an expression of maternal joy. Instead, it seems more like a sign of despair, as if to say “we’re in trouble.” I sincerely hope my interpretation is incorrect for the sake of humanity, because that final scene of the Recognizer launching an overwhelming number of missiles in our reality continues to give me nightmares.

On October 10th, reality merges with the world of Tron: Ares. This isn’t just a struggle for The Grid’s destiny; it could decide the survival not only of humans but all life on Earth. Are you prepared to stand up, not just for Users or Programs, but for everyone?

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2025-07-17 21:10