On the set of Tron: Ares, Jared Leto’s well-known dedication to method acting was fully on display, as he remained in character as Ares throughout filming. However, Jeff Bridges broke from the cast’s compliance with Leto’s intense approach, humorously calling Leto “Air” instead of his character’s name. This dynamic highlighted contrasting acting styles during production in 2025.
Jared Leto’s Full Immersion into the Role of Ares
Jared Leto has a long-standing reputation for fully immersing himself in roles through method acting, often maintaining character off-camera. For his portrayal of Ares, a formidable digital Program ruling the Grid in Tron: Ares, Leto maintained this approach throughout the film’s shoot. Director Joachim Rønning shared that Leto rarely interacted with anyone as Jared, instead embodying the persona of Ares at all times. The cast and crew treated him like a commanding military general due to his unwavering intensity on set.
He would come on set and not talk to anyone, which to some cast members could be intimidating, but that’s what he wanted. That’s what he used, to play the character. [He] was in character on and off set, for the entirety of the shoot. And when I spoke to him, I’d need to go into a role of some sort too.
—Joachim Rønning, Director
This commitment created a charged atmosphere where conversations and interactions were filtered through Leto’s portrayal, amplifying the realism of Ares’s commanding presence in the sci-fi world. His weighty costume, which reportedly weighed 40 pounds, further helped Leto slip into the mindset and movements of a futuristic warrior, adding authenticity to the character.
It’s hard not to be immersed when your suit weighs 40 lb. That’ll put you right in the sweet spot. It was painful. But I loved it. I was always happy to be in that suit.
—Jared Leto, Actor
And that dictates the way you move, the way you hold your body, the way you walk. So a lot of the character was in the suit. You can’t put that suit on and not feel like a warrior from the future.
—Jared Leto, Actor
Jeff Bridges Stands Apart with a Lighthearted Approach
While other cast members adapted to Leto’s intense method, Jeff Bridges chose not to participate in the on-set persona maintained by the actor. Returning as Kevin Flynn, the creator of the digital world within the Tron universe, Bridges embraced his character’s authority over the Grid, which gave him a unique perspective on the dynamic with Leto’s Ares.
Rather than fully adopting Leto’s demand that everyone call him “Ares,” Bridges playfully subverted this by calling Leto “Air,” a nickname that humorously undermined the intimidation of the character. This demonstrated Bridges’ refusal to be bound by the same rules, highlighting the veteran actor’s confidence and familiarity with the Tron franchise.
Since I’m Flynn, who created that whole world, I figured that I could call him whatever I wanted to. I respected his desire to be called Ares, and not have to switch back and forth, but as Flynn I felt sort of special, so on set I called him ‘Air.’ Flynn’s above the whole thing.
—Jeff Bridges, Actor
Bridges’ reaction added a layer of levity to the intense atmosphere fostered by Leto’s approach. Since Kevin Flynn is positioned as the creator and overseer of the Grid, Bridges saw himself as having license to mock or sidestep the rigid on-set hierarchy dictated by Leto’s performance, keeping the dynamic fresh and playful.
Behind the Motivation for Leto’s Method Acting Commitment
Jared Leto explained that the demanding physical nature of wearing the heavy costume significantly influenced his decision to remain fully immersed as Ares. The suit’s weight and design required considerable endurance and helped channel the character’s commanding presence. Leto’s embrace of the discomfort was intentional, allowing him to inhabit a digital warrior’s role authentically.
As the Master Control of the Grid and a powerful Program created by the Dillinger Corporation—a conglomerate headed by characters played by Gillian Anderson and Evan Peters—Ares commands fear, respect, and loyalty. Leto’s dedication to maintaining this aura of dominance was reflected in the strict separation he enforced between himself and the cast while on set.
Anticipating the Impact of Tron: Ares
Tron: Ares marks a significant return to the iconic sci-fi universe, combining Jeff Bridges’ legacy as Kevin Flynn with a new generation of actors including Jared Leto, whose portrayal of Ares promises a menacing force within the digital realm. The film aims to deliver high-stakes drama and futuristic action, pushing the boundaries of the franchise’s storytelling and visual spectacle.
The contrasting acting styles on set, particularly the interaction between Bridges’ grounded performance and Leto’s immersive method, have become talking points that add to the film’s intrigue. Their dynamic reflects the broader themes of control, power, and rebellion central to the movie’s narrative.
Tron: Ares is scheduled for release in theaters across the United States on October 10, 2025, where audiences will witness how these creative tensions translate to the big screen within this highly anticipated chapter of the Tron saga.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. “Jeff Bridges, who I love, wouldn’t kiss me because I was too young,” she said in the interview. Ryder said she remembered closing her eyes and leaning in for the kiss as the scene had described, but Bridges hesitated — instead kissing her forehead and saying, “You’re like my daughter’s age, you know?”
A. Why wouldn’t Jeff Bridges kiss Winona Ryder?
Q. Was Robin Williams friends with Jeff Bridges?
A. Before the press conference for The Giver movie this morning, Jeff Bridges shared a story about his friend and co-star Robin Williams. He also talked about meeting Radioman, who looks a lot like Williams.
