The production of Tron: Ares has commenced, but the identity of the film’s composer remains unknown as Daft Punk has disbanded.
The production of Tron: Ares has officially commenced, but the identity of the composer for the film’s musical score remains a mystery, despite its crucial role in the success of Tron: Legacy. After facing numerous development setbacks and delays, TRON 3 has finally begun filming, with few plot details released about the third installment in the Tron franchise. The films, starting with Tron (1982) and followed by Tron: Legacy (2010), revolve around a virtual reality called “the Grid” and depict the struggle for power between humans and antagonists within the program.
One of the most beloved aspects of Tron: Legacy among fans was the score by Daft Punk. The electronic music duo impressed audiences by fusing their signature techno style with orchestral music, creating a perfect musical accompaniment for the electronic, sci-fi adventure of Tron: Legacy. However, with Daft Punk’s split in 2021, it is unlikely that they will return to compose the music for TRON 3. Fans have expressed strong opinions on this matter, and it remains to be seen who will take up the mantle and create the soundtrack for Tron: Ares.
The dissolution of Daft Punk in 2021 decreases the probability of a TRON 3 comeback
Daft Punk’s separation in 2021 makes it improbable for them to return for Tron 3, given that the French electronic duo had composed the music for Tron: Legacy, which was adored by fans and even received platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America. Unfortunately, the duo’s split has dashed the hopes of fans who were looking forward to their work on the film and their music in general.
Thomas Bangalter, one of the duo’s members, revealed to the BBC that they decided to stop making music due to concerns about the impact of artificial intelligence on the music industry. They became uncertain about continuing their robotic personas in light of this. Bangalter stated, “As much as I love this character, the last thing I would want to be, in the world we live in, in 2023, is a robot,” (via Billboard). Given this, it is unlikely that Daft Punk will return to create music for Tron: Ares.
Disney will face a significant challenge in replacing the music of Daft Punk for TRON 3
Disney faces a daunting task with TRON 3 as many devoted fans of Daft Punk and their work on Tron: Legacy have expressed a strong desire for the duo to return and compose the soundtrack. Some have gone as far as to say that TRON 3 cannot match the success of Tron: Legacy without Daft Punk’s music (via EDM.com). This highlights the significant influence that Daft Punk had on Tron fans, making it crucial for Disney to select a musical replacement that can meet fans’ high expectations.
Possible alternatives to Daft Punk for the soundtrack of TRON 3
On a Tron subreddit, fans discussed potential replacements for Daft Punk in creating the score for TRON 3. Some fans suggested Joseph Trapanese as a worthy successor, given his previous collaboration with the duo on the Tron: Legacy soundtrack and his work on other projects such as Tron: Uprising, Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief, two Divergent films, and Oblivion with M83.
Another fan in the thread mentioned composer Junkie XL as a fitting candidate for the TRON 3 soundtrack. He’s known for his collaborations with Hans Zimmer on films like The Dark Knight Rises, Megamind, and Inception, as well as his work on The Amazing Spider-Man 2, Mad Max: Fury Road, and Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021).
Fans of the Tron subreddit discussed potential successors to Daft Punk for the TRON 3 score, with Joseph Trapanese and Junkie XL being mentioned as fitting candidates. Kavinsky, who achieved mainstream success with his song “Nightcall” featured in Drive, was also suggested as a potential choice. Produced by Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo of Daft Punk, Kavinsky’s music has been compared to the duo’s, making him a possible option for fans hoping for a similar sound in the TRON 3 score. However, the composer for the Tron: Ares score has yet to be confirmed.