A new image has been released from Tron: Ares' story features Ares (Leto), a program, leaving the Grid and embarking on a dangerous mission in the real world, with Jeff Bridges confirmed to be reprising his role as Kevin Flynn.

Empire now releases a new image from Tron: Ares, showing Leto's Ares standing in front of an evolved take on the lightcycle. This lightcycle doesn't look like a motorcycle and instead looks like it could actually be a four-wheeled vehicle. The background suggests Ares' vehicle is parked in some kind of factory-like setting. Check out the new image below:

Rønning also offers up a few teases regarding the story to come, teasing the impact of the Nine Inch Nails soundtrack on what he hypes as a "grittier" take on the world of Tron that's different from what has come before:

“With Nine Inch Nails making the music, this instalment will be a little grittier, a little bit more industrial. It’s been important for me to contrast The Grid and the real world. In that sense, Nine Inch Nails lends itself perfectly into this new Tron world that we are creating.”

In addition to a grittier setting, Rønning also teases that Tron: Ares also doubles down on emotional storytelling and the exploration of some powerful themes. Check out his comment below:

“What I always look for in any story is a strong emotional core. This film will probably be more emotional than people are expecting. It’s about the cost of being human.”

In addition to Leto, the Tron: Ares cast features Gillian Anderson, Evan Peters, Jodie Turner-Smith, Greta Lee, and Sarah Desjardins.

What Tron: Ares' Latest Update Means For The Film

The New Tron Movie Breaks From Franchise Tradition In A Big Way

Tron: Legacy's early scenes take place in the real world, but the majority of the film's runtime is spent in Tron City and the Grid. Using modern VFX and CGI, the film is able to present and recreate many of the same locations and scenarios from the original Tron in a more visually-stunning way. Tron: Ares, however, looks to not be retreading too much familiar ground, and will instead be melding the sleek sci-fi look of previous Tron movies with a grungier real world.

This approach is in keeping with some Leto's Ares program is shown riding the vehicle as it ascends a parking garage ramp and as it sits parked on a Vancouver city street. The Grid and its unique sci-fi look is undoubtedly part of the franchise's lasting appeal, but Tron: Legacy was met with mixed reviews upon its release, suggesting Rønning's new approach could be a breath of fresh air.

Our Take On The New Tron: Ares Reveals

How Nine Inch Nails Will Rønning's New Vision

This evolution of the Tron aesthetic is a risk, as it could alienate the franchise's core fanbase, but it also feels necessary given the lukewarm response to the previous film. A new take on the franchise could be what helps Tron: Ares standout, potentially setting the stage for future installments.

Nine Inch Nails providing the soundtrack for Tron: Ares is a great choice to this new direction. Daft Punk handled the soundtrack for Tron: Legacy, offering a soundscape in line with their musical sensibilities, but Nine Inch Nails' musical style is certainly more industrial, and it could ensure that, if nothing else, the movie has an impressive soundtrack. With the release of this new image, a full-length Tron: Ares trailer may not be too many months away.

Source: Empire