The iconic lightcycles of 'Tron: Ares' are a thrilling sight, but did you know they were inspired by a scrapped sequel to 'Tron: Legacy'? 43 years after the original 'Tron' film, the franchise returns with a new chapter, 'Tron: Ares'. The film follows Ares (Jared Leto), an intelligent computer program who questions his directives, leading him to collide with the real world in search of Eve Kim (Greta Lee). As the race to find Kevin Flynn's permanence code intensifies, the line between software and reality blurs. Production designer Darren Gilford, returning to the franchise 15 years after working on 'Tron: Legacy', had the chance to revisit ideas from the original sequel's pre-production. He reveals that many concepts carried over, with director Joseph Kosinski's vision of a more grounded sequel and the Dillinger grid as a central element. This time, Gilford and his team were able to create practical, life-size lightcycles for the actors, a significant departure from the original film's digital-only approach. The lightcycles, designed to look military-esque and practical, also reflected the aesthetic of Encom's rival corporation. Gilford explains that the bikes had to be functional, with two critical riding positions and an aggressive high-speed mode. The design team even programmed a special energy source to keep the lightcycles running throughout filming, creating a yellow gyro that spins and animates the bike's motion. This attention to detail allowed for a more immersive and realistic experience for the actors and viewers alike. 'Tron: Ares' marks a significant milestone for Gilford, as it was the first time he created a practical light cycle for the franchise. His background in transportation design and car engineering made him the ideal candidate to bring these iconic vehicles to life, ensuring they were both functional and visually stunning.
