Imagine a world where technology and humanity are so intertwined that the line between them blurs—a concept that Tron, the groundbreaking 1982 film, dared to explore long before it became a reality. But here’s where it gets controversial: Steven Lisberger, the visionary behind Tron, now believes the original Disney movie missed the mark on one critical aspect of artificial intelligence. Let’s dive into why this matters and how it sets the stage for the upcoming Tron: Ares.
First, let’s rewind to the early days of CGI and AI in cinema. Tron wasn’t just a movie; it was a revolution. It was among the first films to heavily rely on computer-generated imagery (CGI) for multiple sequences, a technique that’s now a cornerstone of modern filmmaking. The film’s neon-drenched, angular cyberspace—while looking simplistic by today’s standards—was a bold leap into the future. It also introduced a multi-faceted approach to AI, with ENCOM’s Master Control Program (MCP) evolving into a sentient entity. This retrofuturist aesthetic didn’t just predict the future; it inspired countless works in the sci-fi genre, culminating in Tron: Legacy, a visually stunning sequel that deserves far more recognition than it receives.
And this is the part most people miss: Tron’s portrayal of AI was surprisingly optimistic for its time. In 1982, high-functioning digital algorithms were still a dream, and the film reflected this hopeful naivety. The rogue AI, MCP, serves as the antagonist, but the titular program, Tron, rebels against it to save both his digital world and humanity. Lisberger recently reflected on this in SFX Magazine, stating, ‘We were very naive back then and so optimistic, but it felt different… I hear people are shocked that AI is hallucinating and making mistakes. That’s a blessing. I’d be scared if someone told me AI never makes mistakes. That’s when the real problem starts.’
Lisberger’s words are a call to action. He advocates for a responsible, grounded approach to AI, emphasizing that it’s a tool—not a replacement for human creativity. Here’s the bold question: Can we, as a society, use AI to enhance art without letting it dominate or deceive us? Lisberger urges the artistic community to ‘kick this technology around before it kicks us around,’ a sentiment that feels both urgent and prophetic.
The Tron franchise has always framed technology as a mirror of humanity. Lisberger likens the relationship between humans and AI to a parent-child dynamic, where we must act as responsible adults. ‘Who’s going to be the adult in this relationship?’ he asks, highlighting the need for maturity in an era of rapid technological advancement. This idea is central to Tron’s narrative, where the Grid’s programs rebel against corruption with the help of users like Flynn. It’s a feel-good story of friendship and bravery, but it sidesteps the complexities of human flaws.
Tron: Legacy takes a darker, more nuanced approach. The rogue AI, CLU, is a digital doppelgänger of Flynn, embodying his worst traits—treachery, control, and ego. The film explores the consequences of unchecked ambition, as Flynn’s failures as a creator shape CLU’s destructive impulses. But here’s the twist: CLU doesn’t just want to rule the Grid; he aims to invade the real world, flipping the power dynamic between humans and AI.
Now, enter Tron: Ares, set to shatter the franchise’s status quo. The film follows Ares, a highly advanced AI sent into the real world on a mysterious mission. Unlike Quorra, who cherished humanity, Ares’s intentions are unknown, and his presence could have catastrophic consequences. Lisberger teases the film’s themes, asking, ‘Do we want to create an entity with no limitations? Will AI see us as parents or treat us like children?’
These questions are both unsettling and essential. Tron: Ares promises to confront the complexities of AI in ways its predecessors couldn’t. But will it provide answers, or leave us with more questions? Here’s the controversial take: Perhaps the real danger isn’t AI itself, but our inability to wield it responsibly. What do you think? Is Lisberger’s vision a warning we should heed, or an overreaction to technological progress? Let’s discuss in the comments.
Mark your calendars: Tron: Ares hits theaters on October 10, 2025. The future of AI—and humanity—awaits.
