The TRON universe has always been about innovation. From the original 1982 film to TRON: Legacy in 2010, every chapter has pushed technology forward while telling deeply human stories. In a new featurette titled “A Trip into the Disney Archives with TRON,” the team behind TRON: Ares explores how the past continues to power the future.
Treasures Inside the Archives
Inside the Walt Disney Archives, fans get a close look at two iconic pieces that appear in TRON: Ares.
- The original helmet worn in the 1982 TRON marks the beginning of Disney’s digital filmmaking journey.
- The identity disc from TRON: Legacy shows how design and effects evolved in the digital age.
Archivist Francesca Scrimgeour explains that these pieces preserve the creative spirit behind TRON. “Our mission is to collect, preserve, share, and make available for research all these incredible items that are historical to the Walt Disney Company,” she said.
By placing both artifacts side by side, the Archives reveal how TRON has grown while staying true to its bold vision.
Inspiration for TRON: Ares
Producer Justin Springer says that seeing the original props up close helped guide the new film’s design. “There’s something valuable about being able to get your hands on the actual assets and see the art up close,” he shared.
A Trip into the Disney Archives with TRON — via The Walt Disney Company
To build on that inspiration, the production team also visited Walt Disney’s original offices in Burbank, California. That visit helped them reconnect with the creativity that fueled Walt’s earliest projects. As a result, TRON: Ares reflects both Disney’s innovative history and its forward-looking imagination.
Preserving a Living Legacy
The Walt Disney Archives act as more than a museum. They serve as a bridge between generations of artists who continue to push the boundaries of storytelling. Every helmet, identity disc, and sketch tells part of a larger story—one about curiosity, courage, and creativity that never fades.
See TRON: Ares in Theaters
A Trip into the Disney Archives with TRON offers a rare chance to see how history shapes innovation.
You can stream TRON (1982) and TRON: Legacy (2010) now on Disney+, and watch TRON: Ares in theaters soon.
