Summary

• Disney's TRON 3 plan is facing criticism and disappointment due to major changes from the original sequel plan and the involvement of controversial actor Jared Leto.
• Joseph Kosinski, the director of TRON: Legacy, had exciting ideas for a third film, including a unique premise that would have taken place in both the real world and The Grid.
• Disney's decision to switch directors and change the cast and premise of TRON 3, instead of sticking with Kosinski's successful direction, is seen as a mistake that may impact the film's success.

After a major $1.4 billion box office win, Disney's TRON 3 plan makes even less sense than before. The first two TRON films managed to become cult classics, leaving the third film, which is called TRON: Ares, highly-anticipated. It took over a decade for Disney to announce that the film was in production, and it began shooting in January 2024. This was a bit disappointing for excited viewers, as the timeline was previously established to have filming start in 2023.

The plans for a third TRON movie go all the way back to 2010, before TRON: Legacy was even released. In 2015, it was announced that the director of the previous film was confirmed to be a part of TRON 3, along with Garrett Hedlund. Now, though, the plans have seemed to have drastically changed. Based on what is currently known about TRON 3, the film is being directed by Joachim Rønning and starring Jared Leto. Jared Leto's casting, in particular, has been divisive, as there have been allegations made about him that make him a controversial figure in the entertainment space. This is not the only issue that many see with the TRON 3 film, though.

Disney's TRON 3 Is Different Than Joseph Kosinski's Original Tron: Legacy Sequel Plan

After the success of TRON: Legacy, there are high expectations about what TRON 3 will be like. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem like the film is on the right track, given that it is completely different from Joseph Koskinki's original TRON: Legacy sequel plan. Joseph Koskinki directed TRON: Legacy, and the film ended up grossing $400 million during its theatrical run, despite having a production budget of only $170 million.

Given this success, it would have made sense to stick with Koskinski and allow him to follow through on the plan he had for the sequel. Instead, Disney has decided to completely switch things up. It now has a new director, a new cast, and a new premise. Koskini has been open about his ideas for a third movie, and they seemed really exciting. It would have taken place in the real world for the first act, The Grid for the second act, and then back to the real world for the third. This is an exciting premise, and it's disappointing it's not going to play out.

Top Gun: Maverick Proves Disney Should Have Stuck With Joseph Kosinski

Overall, this TRON 3 plan does not seem like the right way to go. Legacy was able to develop a cult following because of Kosinki's direction. Since the release of Legacy, he's only gained in fame and popularity. For example, he directed Top Gun Maverick, which grossed $1.4 billion at the box office. Having Koskinki's name attached to TRON 3 would have been a big draw, and it was definitely a mistake on Disney's part.