What Went Wrong with Tron?

Critics say: TRON: Legacy (2010), despite its stunning visuals and Daft Punk score, lacked a compelling story and well-developed characters. The film prioritized style over substance, leaving audiences with dazzling effects but little emotional investment. Weak character arcs—including Garrett Hedlund’s bland protagonist, Olivia Wilde’s underdeveloped and problematic "born sexy yesterday" role, and Jeff Bridges’ uneven performance—further undermined its appeal. Additionally, Disney’s hesitation to fully commit to the franchise, combined with the film’s underwhelming box office ($400M on a $170M budget) and mixed reviews, stalled momentum. Without a strong narrative foundation or cultural impact, Tron remained a niche property rather than the blockbuster franchise Disney had hoped for. But with the third installment of the series, Tron: Ares, slated to release this October, how does Disney regain the hype and interest of audiences 15 years later?