The ending of Tron: Legacy is about escaping the very spectacle and experiments on display. In order to let his son get through the portal back to the real world, Flynn absorbs CLU back into himself, destroying them both since CLU makes it clear there will be no compromise or reconciliation, and that he’s a lost cause.

How does the original Tron end?

With help from Tron, a heroic and fearless security program and his lover, Yori, Flynn sets out destroy the MCP and help Tron liberate the system from the MCP’s control, by destroying the MCP is Flynn’s only way of returning to the real world.

Is Tron dead in Tron Legacy?

Much like any good movie/comic franchise, the death of major characters should always be questioned. Tron: Legacy gives the audience three whoppers to question in its third act, as Tron sacrifices himself to save the Flynns, and Kevin merges with Clu in order to nullify his existence.