Tron 3 has been a pipe dream ever since Tron Legacy hit theaters in 2010, and it's a dream that's shown no signs of rust or age. Fans are still adamant about seeing Sam, Quorra, and any other character that Disney can muster return to the big screen in living, triumphant color. If only the studio would take the hint and actually make the damned thing, especially after the details that writer/director Joseph Kosinski has given about the film's script. Which, according to him, is pretty close to complete.
During last night's Collider exclusive IMAX screening, Joseph Kosinski was part of a Q&A that ended up turning into a treasure trove of information involving the film, which is now confirmed to be named Tron Ascension. Brace yourselves folks, as the following details are basically how the third film could play out:
This movie's called Tron: Ascension, and I think we got the script to... about 80 %. We were in good shape, we were probably 8 or 9 months out, which is still a long distance from being ready to shoot it. What I'm excited about is the concept, which is an invasion movie from inside the machine. ... The idea for Ascension was the first act was in the real world, the second act was in the world of Tron, the multiple worlds of Tron, and the third act is totally in the real world. I think that really opens up, blows open the concept of Tron in a way that would be thrilling to see on screen. But also, there's a real kind of interesting character study in Quorra, a stranger in a strange land trying to where she belongs, having lived in the real world for a few years, and where does she fit in?
We'll give you a moment to collect yourselves before moving on, because that's pretty damned huge. In addition to the elements mentioned above, Joseph Kosinski also mentioned how Quorra's DNA is so unique, it allows objects from The Grid to actually crossover and exist in our world. This element totally speaks to previous remarks Olivia Wilde made about how her character would impact the third Tron film. And for those of you looking for more from Cillian Murphy's cameo as Ed Dillinger Jr, son of David Warner's Ed Dillinger from Tron, both characters were mentioned as crucial elements in the Tron Ascension's script. Considering they're both featured in the special features on Tron Legacy, in a clear setup for the future of the franchise, this shouldn't come as a surprise.
Now you might be confused as to why we're talking about Tron Ascension as if it's still a going concern. After all, the project was previously reported as dead due to the underperformance of Tomorrowland. As Joseph Kosinski himself described it, the project isn't dead so much as it's in "cryogenic freeze." Citing the acquisition of Marvel and Lucasfilm as factors that take up most of Disney's time and money, he says that the studio has basically dropped the film to the bottom of the pile, as it's a savvy business move. However, Joseph Kosinski holds out hope that Tron Ascension will happen, as his final say on the project is the following:
The idea's strong, I think it's just a matter of the right time, the right place, and the stars aligning as they have to do for movies, and we'll see.
Seeing as Disney spent tons of their theme park money creating a Tron attraction in Shanghai Disneyland, it's safe to say that the studio is still interested in their IP very much. So maybe all that's really waiting is for a slot to open up, and the public's demands to grow so loud that they cannot be ignored. And let that the fires of fandom be fanned by the complete Q&A between Kosinski and Collider's Steve "Frosty" Weintraub, which can be seen in its entirety below. Trust us, there's tons more information where this came from.
In the meantime, Joseph Kosinski has been keeping himself busy with Granite Mountain _(previously titled _No Exit,) which stars Josh Brolin, Miles Teller and Jeff Bridges, among others. That film will be released on September 22nd.
