Summary

The new Tron: Ares trailer could hint at Sam Flynn's inclusion in the sequel.
Some fans are speculating that a shot in the trailer is Sam Flynn and could be the impetus of Ares' mission.
Sam Flynn could be more important than Tron: Ares lets on, and the sequel should acknowledge him.

A new theory surrounding Tron: Ares may point to the importance and return of Sam Flynn. The third entry in the TRON franchise recently released a new trailer, giving audiences their best look at the film's plot and characters yet. Jared Leto stars as the titular Ares, with a cast featuring Gillian Anderson, Greta Lee, Evan Peters, and Jeff Bridges.

Bridges is reprising his role as Kevin Flynn, a character he has played throughout the series. However, 2010's Tron: Legacy followed his son, Sam, who grew up without his father, as Kevin was trapped in The Grid. The ending of Tron: Legacy saw Sam and Quorra, a program played by Olivia Wilde, escape The Grid to the real world. Tron: Ares has embraced new characters, with a plot that sees Ares and other programs entering the real world without mentioning Sam or Quorra. That may have all changed with one sneaky, quick moment in the trailer that some fans believe could point to Sam Flynn and his purpose in the sequel.

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By Timothy McClelland

The New Tron: Ares Trailer May Have A Quick Reference To Sam Flynn

While the new Tron: Ares trailer gives audiences a glimpse at the plot, with corporate greed looking to turn programs into new-age disposable soldiers, it may also be hiding more. Leto's Ares appears to go rogue, on a mission to find something, or maybe even someone. In a rapid shot in the trailer, Ares is looking through what appear to be memories in a digital database. While the image is hard to see in full detail, Reddit users were quick to point out that it could be Sam Flynn.

Some users wrote it off as a memory associated with Greta Lee's character, which could prove true, but many believe it is Sam. While Tron: Ares has embraced a different story than the initial sequel plans following Tron: Legacy, fans of the franchise are still hoping that the movie will properly acknowledge Sam and Quorra, as their prior exploits appear to still be in canon. There has also been speculation that if the shot is Sam Flynn, it may hint at what is driving Ares in the new sequel.

Despite His Absence, Sam Flynn May Be Driving The Plot Of Tron: Ares

Ares could potentially be looking for Sam Flynn in Tron: Ares. Much like Tron: Legacy saw Sam finding his father on The Grid, Ares may see new characters searching for Sam. This could further be spurred by including Jeff Bridges as Kevin Flynn, who sacrificed himself in a heroic moment in Tron: Legacy. Tron: Ares looks to bring Bridges back in a unique way, still keeping his demise as part of the story, but keeping him as part of The Grid in some way.

This could also include Sam, as a theory points to Ares' programming being based somewhat on Sam's mind, which could still be part of The Grid even after his departure. While this is also just a theory, it could further prove the importance of Sam in the sequel, even though the character doesn't appear. Still, this isn't the only theory about Sam's potential involvement in the story.

With programs being used as soldiers in the real world, the new film could see Ares on a mission to break free of The Grid and the control the programs are under. Knowing that Sam accomplished this task with Quorra in Tron: Legacy could serve as the reason Ares would attempt to track him down, hoping to free himself and other programs with knowledge only he may possess. While there is a story in place to get the story going in Tron: Ares, the movie is still hiding secrets, and Sam being the impetus for it all would serve as a thrilling story direction for fans, especially since the actor who played him, Garrett Hedlund, is not believed to be involved currently.

Tron: Ares Should Tie Sam Flynn Into The Story

While Tron: Ares attempts to keep the franchise alive with characters like Kevin Flynn, the sequel is clearly moving in new directions. Bridges' role is likely to be minor, with the new actors taking the lead of the story and Leto's Ares being front and center. However, for the franchise sequel to land with fans, as the lore goes deeper than most moviegoers are aware, Sam should be acknowledged, and Hedlund should be brought back to the role, even if it is just a cameo.

Sam and the Flynn name are synonymous with the TRON franchise, as beyond the characters, the infamous arcade from the films bears the same name. Fans already want to see the character return, and some aren't happy that Leto is starring in the sequel, meaning Hedlund's return as Sam could not only appease fan expectations but also help bolster the story with canon they have come to respect. Details surrounding Tron: Ares are still tightly under wraps, with Disney likely holding back much until its October release. Still, if eagle-eyed and eager fans are right, the story may have bigger implications than it initially let on from past franchise entries. With Disney likely keeping the film's big reveals under wraps, fans must continue to speculate about Sam Flynn's potential involvement with Tron: Ares.

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