TRON: Ares to Feature Reznor’s Nine Inch Nails’ Name for First Time on a Film Score

Fans of TRON and Nine Inch Nails have a lot to look forward to this year. The long-anticipated TRON: Ares, set to release on October 10, 2025, will feature a groundbreaking soundtrack by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross. But here’s the kicker: they’re not scoring it under their own names. Instead, the duo is bringing the full force of Nine Inch Nails to the project, marking the first time the band’s name has been used for a film score.

The Tron franchise has always been synonymous with groundbreaking visuals and hypnotic soundscapes. From Wendy Carlos’ pioneering electronic score in the original 1982 film to Daft Punk’s synth-heavy masterpiece in Tron: Legacy (2010), the music has consistently been a driving force in creating the otherworldly atmosphere of the Grid.

Reznor’s Take on Composing as NIN

At the recent Golden Globes, Reznor explained why he and Ross chose to approach the TRON: Ares score as Nine Inch Nails rather than under their usual partnership. “It is as Nine Inch Nails, and I think it’s influenced the way we approach scoring,” Reznor said. “It’s going to be a little grittier, and it’s just different; it’s still the same two people, but we’re in a different mindset. We feel like we can play by different rules a bit, and the people working on the film were excited about that, so we thought we’d try it.” This decision is already stirring excitement as fans speculate what “grittier” could mean in the context of the TRON universe.

The Legacy of TRON

The TRON franchise has always been synonymous with innovation, both visually and sonically. While 1982’s TRON dazzled with its groundbreaking use of computer-generated imagery, 2010’s TRON: Legacy brought Daft Punk’s iconic electronic score into the spotlight. That soundtrack is still celebrated as one of the most memorable aspects of the film. Now, TRON: Ares aims to continue this tradition of musical excellence, but with a decidedly darker tone.

What We Know About TRON: Ares

Directed by Joachim Rønning, TRON: Ares will explore the story of Ares, a highly sophisticated program sent from the digital realm into the real world. The cast includes Jared Leto as the titular Ares, alongside Greta Lee, Evan Peters, and even TRON veteran Jeff Bridges. With a premise revolving around humanity’s first encounter with AI beings, the film promises to delve deep into themes of technology and existentialism.

Nine Inch Nails’ Cinematic Journey

Reznor and Ross have already made their mark in film scoring, earning Academy Awards for their work on The Social Network and Soul. However, this is their first time composing under the Nine Inch Nails banner, a move that many fans see as a perfect fit for TRON’s cyberpunk aesthetic. The decision to incorporate NIN’s distinct sound signals a departure from the sleek, polished tones of Daft Punk’s Legacy soundtrack, offering a raw and visceral energy that aligns with the film’s grittier narrative.

Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross have also built a prolific career as film composers. Interestingly, they score films without using the NIN moniker, instead crediting themselves under their individual names. Here’s a list of notable projects they’ve worked on as a duo outside of NIN:

1. The Social Network (2010)

• Director: David Fincher
• Why It Stands Out: This was their debut film score and earned them an Academy Award for Best Original Score. Their moody, electronic sound perfectly captured the isolation and ambition of Facebook’s rise.

2. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)

• Director: David Fincher
• Why It Stands Out: Their haunting and atmospheric score for this dark thriller earned them a Grammy Award for Best Score Soundtrack.

3. Gone Girl (2014)

• Director: David Fincher
• Why It Stands Out: Reznor and Ross’s minimalist and eerie score heightened the film’s tension, cementing their reputation as go-to composers for psychological thrillers.

4. Mid90s (2018)

• Director: Jonah Hill
• Why It Stands Out: Departing from their typical dark, electronic style, the duo created a nostalgic and introspective score to complement the coming-of-age story.

5. Bird Box (2018)

• Director: Susanne Bier
• Why It Stands Out: The score’s chilling, otherworldly tones helped heighten the film’s suspense, contributing to its massive success on Netflix.

6. Waves (2019)

• Director: Trey Edward Shults
• Why It Stands Out: Their emotionally resonant and meditative score added depth to the film’s intense, character-driven narrative.

7. Soul (2020)

• Director: Pete Docter (Pixar)
• Why It Stands Out: This was a departure from their darker works, blending jazz with electronic elements. They won an Academy Award for Best Original Score for this uplifting animated film.

8. Mank (2020)

• Director: David Fincher
• Why It Stands Out: Their jazzy, old-Hollywood-style score for this biographical drama about Citizen Kane writer Herman J. Mankiewicz showcased their musical versatility.

9. Bones and All (2022)

• Director: Luca Guadagnino
• Why It Stands Out: The duo created a dreamy, melancholic score that underscored the film’s mix of horror, romance, and road-trip elements.

10. Empire of Light (2022)

• Director: Sam Mendes
• Why It Stands Out: This emotional, introspective score complemented the film’s themes of connection and healing, marking another collaboration with an acclaimed filmmaker.

Other Notable Contributions:

• Before the Flood (2016): A documentary on climate change produced by Leonardo DiCaprio, featuring a score by Reznor, Ross, Gustavo Santaolalla, and Mogwai.
• Patriots Day (2016): They contributed additional music to this film about the Boston Marathon bombing.

By working under their names, rather than the NIN brand, Reznor and Ross have successfully diversified their creative output, balancing their industrial rock roots with cinematic soundscapes that redefine modern film scoring.

The Wrap-Up: A Bold New Era for TRON

The decision to enlist Nine Inch Nails marks a bold move for Disney and a significant shift in the TRON franchise’s musical direction. As Reznor and Ross bring their industrial roots to the grid, fans are eager to see how this grittier sound will shape the film’s atmosphere. Whether you’re a die-hard TRON fan, a Nine Inch Nails devotee, or just curious about the fusion of these two creative powerhouses, TRON: Ares is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated cinematic experiences of 2025. Get ready to enter the grid once more—this time, with a soundtrack that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.

Sources:

• Bleeding Cool – Trent Reznor on Composing for TRON: Ares
• The Hollywood Reporter’s Coverage of Reznor’s Golden Globes Interview