The highly anticipated film Tron: Ares is bringing back the iconic Lightcycles, but with a fascinating twist: their design draws heavily from concepts originally developed for Joseph Kosinski’s scrapped Tron: Legacy sequel. This deep dive into the creative evolution of these futuristic vehicles offers a rare glimpse into how unused ideas can shape the future of a beloved franchise.
Four decades after the original Tron film first captivated audiences and fifteen years since Tron: Legacy reignited the Grid, the newest installment, Tron: Ares, has arrived. This third film in the franchise not only expands the digital universe but also subtly weaves in elements from its own complex production history. Fans eager to see the next evolution of the Tron saga will find that the distinctive Lightcycles of Tron: Ares are more than just new designs; they are a direct callback to a sequel that almost was: Joseph Kosinski’s unmade follow-up to Tron: Legacy.
From ‘Ascension’ to ‘Ares’: A Legacy Reimagined
The journey of the Lightcycles in Tron: Ares reveals a remarkable story of creative persistence. Production designer Darren Gilford, who previously worked on Tron: Legacy, returned for Ares, bringing with him a treasure trove of concepts from what was known as Tron: Ascension, or simply Tron III. This planned sequel to Tron: Legacy, with Kosinski at the helm, was in various stages of development for years before ultimately being scrapped by Disney in 2015, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
During its initial development around 2015-2016, Kosinski envisioned Tron: Ascension to be more grounded in the real world. A key element from that period was the concept of a “Dillinger grid” – a new, more menacing aesthetic tied to the film’s antagonists. Gilford confirmed that he was able to “harvest some of those key elements” from the earlier concept art he had begun with a different team, allowing these ideas to finally see the light of day in Tron: Ares, according to Variety.
The new film follows Ares (Jared Leto), an intelligent computer program, as he questions his directives from CEO Julian Dillinger (Evan Peters) and crosses into the real world to find Eve Kim (Greta Lee). This narrative of blurring lines between the digital and real world echoes Kosinski’s original vision for a more real-world-centric sequel.
The Evolution of the Lightcycle: From Digital to Practical
The Lightcycle, originally designed by Syd Mead for the 1982 film, has always been the visual cornerstone of the Tron universe. These futuristic, two-wheeled vehicles are instantly recognizable for their ability to create walls of colored light, crucial in the deadly games played by humanoid computer programs. While earlier iterations, including those in Tron: Legacy, primarily existed digitally or as gimbals for actors like Garrett Hedlund, Tron: Ares marks a significant departure.
For the first time in the franchise’s history, Darren Gilford and his team created practical, life-size Lightcycles for filming. Director Joachim Rønning was “adamant that he wanted real bikes on the street being towed in any capacity we could,” Gilford revealed to Variety. This decision allowed for a more tangible and immersive experience, both for the actors and the audience.
Key Design Innovations in ‘Tron: Ares’ Lightcycles:
- Military-Esque Aesthetic: Reflecting the presence of Dillinger Systems, the new Lightcycles possess a more utilitarian, combative look.
- Dual Riding Positions: Designed for practicality, the bikes feature two critical riding positions, including an “aggressive high speed position” where the rider is fully enveloped by a deployed canopy and backpack.
- Dynamic Power Source: A central yellow gyro acts as the “heart of the bike,” spinning and animating to telegraph the vehicle’s motion and energy.
Gilford’s background in transportation design and as a car designer made this opportunity a personal highlight, allowing him to infuse the vehicles with an unprecedented level of real-world engineering and aesthetic consideration.
Athena and the Ride of the Warrior
Adding to the excitement around the new Lightcycles is the portrayal of Athena by actress Jodie Turner-Smith. Known for her dedication to acquiring diverse skills, Turner-Smith brought existing motorcycle experience to the role, humorously stating to People magazine that she is “trying to collect survival skills for when, inevitably, society completely collapses.”
Her role as a “butt-kicking A.I. warrior” involved extensive training in wire work and bō staff combat, enabling her to fully embody the combative nature of Athena. Turner-Smith expressed immense enjoyment in getting “to raise hell” on the Lightcycles, particularly in a memorable chase scene alongside Lee and Arturo Castro, which she likened to her “Terminator moment.” Her commitment to physical roles and her natural prowess on motor vehicles undoubtedly enhanced the authenticity of the Lightcycle sequences in Tron: Ares.
The Enduring Appeal of the Grid
The journey of Tron: Ares Lightcycles—from a scrapped sequel concept to practical, on-screen vehicles—underscores the enduring appeal and evolutionary potential of the Tron franchise. By integrating past ideas into the present, the film not only delivers an exciting new chapter but also pays homage to the creative paths less traveled. For fans, this deep connection to the franchise’s history, combined with cutting-edge design and compelling performances, ensures that the Grid continues to innovate and captivate decades after its inception.
