Can a blockbuster resonate with a genuine operating system rather than flashy effects? As AI permeates everything, an iconic face reignites the Tron universe and poses a simple question: how far will realism go?
In a genre accustomed to whimsical interfaces, Tron: Legacy chose to display real code, executed on Ubuntu. This technical choice adds weight to the screen and harks back to the DNA of a saga born in 1982, which has become a cult classic. The trajectory continues with Tron: Ares, expected on October 10, 2025, at Disney. On the agenda: the return of Jeff Bridges and a very current tension between humanity and artificial intelligence.
A nod to science fiction… and realism
Hacking scenes in cinema often flirt with caricature, featuring flashing interfaces and unreadable lines of code. Released in 2010, “Tron: Legacy” took the opposite approach with a more authentic representation of developers’ work, relying on a real operating system: Ubuntu. This demand for technical realism impressed knowledgeable viewers and fuels the hope of seeing it again in the upcoming “Tron: Ares”.
“Tron”, a cult film no one believed in
In 1982, Disney released “Tron”. Visionary but ahead of its time, the film achieved only moderate financial success. Over time, however, it has established itself as a cult film among science fiction enthusiasts, both for its unique visual universe and its bold exploration of artificial intelligence and digital worlds. In 2010, “Tron: Legacy” modernized the saga under the direction of Joseph Kosinski: beyond a respectable box office, it is especially its authentic view of programmer culture that leaves a lasting impression.
Ubuntu on screen: programming as it is
In “Tron: Legacy”, the depiction of code does not rely on flashy gimmicks. The sequences favor a tangible Linux environment, using Ubuntu, familiar to professionals and enthusiasts alike. The viewer can recognize concrete practices — terminal, commands, and plausible ergonomics — which help limit sensationalism and highlight programming as it is truly experienced.
“Tron: Ares”: an electric anticipation
Expected on October 10, 2025, “Tron: Ares” promises to dive back into the digital aesthetic that shaped the saga. Directed by Joachim Rønning, this new installment is scrutinized for its approach to technical realism and the role given to artificial intelligence, which has become central in our societies. The authenticity of the tools and interfaces, praised in the second film, will be a decisive marker for a demanding and tech-savvy audience.
Jeff Bridges, an actor at 75
An iconic figure of the “Tron” universe, Jeff Bridges — the unforgettable Kevin Flynn — returns at 75 to extend the legend. His character, caught between humanity and AI, continues to embody contemporary tensions between creators, algorithms, and synthetic worlds, strengthening the emotional bond that unites the saga with multiple generations of viewers.