Disney to Continue Development on 'Tron: Ares' with Jared Leto Starring, Joachim Ronning Directing

by Darian Scalamoni

    It appears that after years of development, the latest entry in the Tron film franchise may finally be coming to fruition. According to a report from The Dish via Deadline, Oscar-winner Jared Leto (Dallas Buyers Club, House of Gucci) will indeed lead the third film titled, Tron: Ares. Disney is aiming to lock down director Joachim Ronning (Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, Kon-Tiki) to direct.

    If Ronning does sign on it will be his fourth collaboration with the house of mouse. He's previously directed Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, Malificent: Mistress of Evil and recently wrapped production on Young Woman and the Sea for the studio which stars Daisy Ridley. Disney hopes to wrap a deal up soon as they're aiming for an August production start  for Tron: Ares in Vancouver. 

    Tron was created in 1982 with Jeff Bridges firmly planted as the star before returning to the original sci-fi franchise almost thirty years later with Tron: Legacy in 2010. Garrett Hedlund led the sequel which also saw Bridges reprise his role from the original with Tron: Legacy grossing more than $400 million worldwide giving Disney a worthwhile reason to continue the franchise in some capacity. For those who are unaware of the plot of the original, Tron was set inside a computer program called The Grid where a computer hacker is abducted and must fend off enemies while being forced to compete within gladiatorial tests and battles within.

    Leto was first rumored to lead back in March 2017, which we reported on but now it seems with Ronning possibly helming the long-awaited third entry in the franchise, we may be closer than ever to seeing Tron: Ares on the big screen. Leto most recently wrapped production on another Disney project, the upcoming Haunted Mansion film where he'll portray the famous Hat-Box Ghost.

    What are your thoughts on Jared Leto leading the next Tron movie? Do you like the choice as Joachim Ronning as director? Sound off in the comments and let us know!