Tron: Ares Premieres on Disney+ January 7
The new year launches at full speed as Tron: Ares, the epic sci-fi action-adventure from Disney, begins streaming January 7 exclusively on Disney+. Directed by Joachim Rønning, the latest chapter in the iconic TRON franchise invites audiences back into the Grid with a bold new vision—one packed with cutting-edge visuals, pulse-pounding action, and a powerful story centered on the collision between artificial intelligence and humanity. And a most pleasant welcome to actor Arturo Castro who plays Seth Flores and turning heads on the national and international stage.
Castro’s path to Tron: Ares came through an unexpected but very Hollywood chain of events. A standout moment in the trailer for the Jake Gyllenhaal–led Road House reboot showcased Castro as Moe, a candid biker gang member whose sharp comic timing left a strong impression. His performance caught the attention of Gyllenhaal’s WME agent, Brent Morley, who promptly recommended Castro to another of his clients—Jared Leto.
Leto, who both stars in and produces Tron: Ares, quickly took notice. Impressed by Castro’s presence, Leto championed him for the role of Seth, personally advocating on his behalf. With Leto’s support, Castro’s name gained traction within the production, ultimately leading director Joachim Rønning and the creative team behind the third Tron installment to officially cast him in the film.
Castro, best known for his roles as Jef in the Comedy Central series Broad City and as David Rodríguez in the Netflix crime drama Narcos. Castro hosted his own show, Conexion, on Guatemala’s national network, a year before moving to New York City. In New York, where attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, and where he met Abbi Jacobson and Ilana Glazer and landed the role of Jaimé in Broad City.
“Its been really recently that we have been allowed to be three dimensional characters in movies.” Castro commented on the Nerds of Color YouTube Channel.
Authentic Representation Amplifies Engagement
A McKinsey study revealed a powerful correlation between authentic Latino representation and audience engagement. McKinsey findings found that Latino viewership doubles when Latinos are represented on- or off-screen, underscoring the importance of authentic portrayals and inclusive storytelling (McKinsey).
And representation matters to Latino Audience. Known for their strong connection to action-driven, visually immersive storytelling, U.S. Latino audiences and worldwide have long embraced high-energy sci-fi and franchise films—genres that blend spectacle with themes of identity, survival, and technology’s impact on everyday life. Tron: Ares taps directly into that appeal, delivering relentless momentum and a futuristic world that feels both thrilling and culturally relevant.
Although not for everyone, Tron: Ares has been praised by critics as “a fast-paced, thrilling movie that launches at full throttle and never slows down” (Jonathan Sim, Coming Soon). The film’s bold aesthetic also stands out, with reviewers highlighting how “Rønning and cinematographer Jeff Cronenweth’s canvas pops with color, contrast and motion, while Nine Inch Nails’ techno-forward score literally rattles your seat” (Joseph Morona, Cleveland.com).
Adding to the excitement, Tron: Ares will stream in IMAX Enhanced on Disney+, featuring IMAX’s expanded aspect ratio that preserves the filmmakers’ creative intent for a more immersive at-home experience. Viewers with compatible TVs and AV receivers can also enjoy IMAX Enhanced sound powered by DTS, delivering the full dynamic range of the original theatrical mix.
Before diving into this bold new future, fans can revisit the origins of the franchise. Both Tron and Tron: Legacy are currently streaming on Disney+, offering the perfect lead-in to the newest evolution of the Grid.
