Tron: Ares Writer Explains Why Iconic Light Cycles Needed a City Streets Upgrade Instead of New Grid Adventures
Jesse Wigutow Discusses Tron: Ares and How It Redefines Sci-Fi Franchises
Jesse Wigutow, the talented writer behind the forthcoming film “Tron: Ares,” recently shared insights into Disney’s creative process for reviving its iconic sci-fi franchise. Unlike franchises with instantly recognizable characters like Darth Vader or Luke Skywalker, “Tron” offers a unique challenge in terms of character recognition. With the last installment, “Tron: Legacy,” released 15 years ago, “Tron: Ares” serves as a soft reboot, aiming to capture the essence of the franchise while introducing new elements.
Reviving a Legacy: Creating a Sequel After 15 Years
Speaking to Emegypt, Wigutow explained that the journey to conceptualize a new “Tron” film took significant time and effort. Despite the long gap since “Tron: Legacy,” the franchise has maintained a presence in popular culture, primarily through its signature sci-fi aesthetic and exhilarating Light Cycle races. Wigutow noted, “Expectations are not as clear-cut with ‘Tron’ as with other franchises, which allowed us to explore fresh storytelling avenues.”
New Directions for Tron: Ares
Set in the near future, “Tron: Ares” diverges from its predecessors by bringing the franchise’s digital aesthetic into the real world. Starring Jared Leto as Ares and Jodie Turner-Smith as Athena, the film introduces combat programs designed as AI-powered soldiers. Originally intended as a direct sequel, “Tron: Ares” was reworked to stand alone, reflecting the rapid advancements in AI technology over the past decade.
Wigutow emphasized that the film aims to connect with audiences in light of the accelerated pace of technology, stating that some concepts within the movie have crept closer to reality. The creative team even considered including an AI-generated character at one point, but ultimately decided against it due to industry concerns.
The Intersection of Film and AI
As the film industry grapples with the emergence of AI-generated actors, “Tron: Ares” presents a timely exploration of AI’s impact. Wigutow reflected on how AI has shifted from a research concept to a central public issue, making the film more relatable to modern audiences.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Main Characters | Jared Leto as Ares, Jodie Turner-Smith as Athena |
| Setting | Near Future, Real World & Digital Aesthetic |
| Release Date | October 10 |
A Fresh Experience for Tron Fans
“Tron: Ares” offers a thrilling narrative as Light Cycles navigate real-world environments in high-speed chases. By shaking up the traditional formula, the film promises to deliver unprecedented visual excitement, akin to experiencing a Light Cycle ride.
Wigutow remarked, “The film moves incredibly fast, almost in real-time, offering a visceral audio-visual experience whether or not one is invested in the story.” With its unique blend of high-paced action and innovative storytelling, “Tron: Ares” is poised to captivate both new and longtime fans of the franchise.
“Tron: Ares” debuts in theaters next week on October 10, offering audiences a chance to experience this new chapter of the “Tron” saga.
