The upcoming film Tron: Ares, starring Evan Peters and Gillian Anderson, aims to strike a balance between honoring the original 1982 Tron movie and bringing fresh ideas to the franchise. Peters Tron Ares involvement highlights a story that respects the past while exploring new narrative territory. The film debuts on October 10 in theaters, promising to offer long-time fans and new audiences an innovative experience within the Tron universe.
Plot Focus: The Permanence Code and Its Impact
Tron: Ares centers on Eve Kim, portrayed by Greta Lee, who leads ENCOM as its current CEO and embarks on a mission to locate the permanence code. In this world, digitally created objects can only exist in reality for 29 minutes. However, the permanence code allows these objects to become permanent, a breakthrough with the potential to transform or threaten humanity. This plot device sets the stage for a high-stakes race that drives the movie’s tension and urgency.
The New Generation of Characters and Their Motivations
Evan Peters plays Julian Dillinger, grandson of the notorious Ed Dillinger, continuing a key family legacy within the story. Julian introduces a new military AI named Ares, played by Jared Leto, alongside its female counterpart Athena, played by Jodie Turner-Smith. When Eve discovers the permanence code, Julian unleashes Ares to retrieve it, but unexpected complications arise. Gillian Anderson appears as Elisabeth, Julian’s mother and Ed Dillinger’s daughter, adding complex family dynamics that influence the unfolding events.
Fresh Storytelling and Character Dynamics Shine Through
Reflecting on the creative process, Anderson credits the writers Jared, Justin, and Yokem for expertly weaving the film’s story. She explains,
“So much of that was in the writing and in what Jared and Justin and Yokem imagined for this,”
Gillian Anderson tells GamesRadar+.
“And I think they did such an exceptional job, tying all of the worlds together and making it feel like it’s all new, but at the same time, harkens back to the elements that everybody only hopes are in there. There’s a lot in there that I think people are going to be very happy about.”
Peters also comments on his character and the film’s direction:
[In the] second film, the Dillingers are unveiling NCom12 and now Julian is unveiling this military AI, Ares,
he says.
So it sort of kicks off the movie. But like you said, it was in the writing, and then our characters’ relationship and dynamic – that was pretty fresh and new to the series. I was excited to jump on board with that.
Visuals and Action Emphasize a Tangible, High-Stakes World
Anderson highlights the successful blend of CGI and practical effects, stating,
“There’s some great sequences, some great chase sequences, and obviously the mixture of the CG and also the practical sets, it doesn’t feel too digitalized,”
she notes.
It really feels like this is a world that exists, which is hard to do. And it’s a race against time. I feel like it’s really a pressure cooker and a time bomb. It just moves.”
These visual choices contribute to the intense, uneasy atmosphere that underscores much of the movie’s narrative tension.
Behind the Scenes and Supporting Cast
The film is directed by Joachim Rønning with a screenplay by Jesse Wigutow, who also worked on Daredevil: Born Again. The cast features notable talents such as Hasan Minhaj, Arturo Castro, Sarah Desjardins, and Jeff Bridges reprising his role as Kevin Flynn, the only returning character from previous Tron films. Cameron Monaghan makes a brief cameo, adding to the film’s layered character appearances and enriching the story world.
The Importance of Tron: Ares for the Franchise’s Future
Tron: Ares carries the pressure of reviving a beloved sci-fi saga, introducing a mix of fresh technology and complex family dynamics, which actor Evan Peters passionately contributes to. With its release just weeks away, the film’s exploration of AI, digital permanence, and ethical risks is expected to resonate strongly with audiences, potentially setting a new course for the Tron series. The creative team’s commitment to both thrilling action and emotional depth may influence how this franchise evolves in the years ahead.
