Comic-Con: TRON: LEGACY Panel

Almost 28 years ago, a film foreshadowed a future with networked computers and Artificial Intelligence. No it wasn’t The Terminator, which was 26 years ago. It was Tron, a film about a computer programmer zapped into the computer world and forced to battle other programs. A technical achievement in its own right, Tron has a special place in the hearts of sci-fi fans. Three years ago, director Joseph Kosinski debuted proof of concept footage for what would become Tron: Legacy. Now, the last Comic-Con before Tron: Legacy hits theaters December 17th 2010, all the big names came out to talk about the film and show some awesome footage.

Director Joseph Kosinski was joined by the two stars from the original who reprise their roles in the sequel, Jeff Bridges and Bruce Boxleitner. Newer on the movie scene are Garrett Hedlund, Olivia Wilde and Michael Sheen, who were also available at the panel as well as producer Steven Lisberger, who directed the first Tron film.

Two pieces of footage were shown. First, a new trailer was shown and was immediately put up on Fanboyz here. Second, an 8 minute long segment was screened. It began with Sam in the computer world, captured and taken to a facility to be given one of the program suits and discs. Then, we saw some action with the discs as programs were forced to fight each other much like the Colosseum of ancient Rome. We also got a look at Clu, the program that resembles Jeff Bridges but from over 20 years ago. Visually speaking, this could be one of the best 3D action films to date, and the atmosphere Kosinski has created is phenomenal.

What I am finding so impressive about Tron: Legacy is mostly on the technical side. First, the film is being shot with 3D cameras, no BS post-conversion mess that looks horrible and cheap (i.e. Clash of the Titans, The Last Airbender). Second, it appears that there are both a good Jeff Bridges and an evil one. Good Jeff, or Kevin Flynn in the film, appears to have aged according to normal standards, with gray hair and beard. Evil Jeff, or known as Clu  in Tron: Legacy, is the same age and appearance as he was in the first Tron. Amazingly, it looks extremely accurate. It will be interesting to see the good and bad guy played by Bridges and looking so much alike.

As the panel wrapped up, Kosinski told the audience we had a chance to be in the movie itself. No, he didn’t make us fight to the death with glowing discs (I had to return to my seat after feeling mislead). He explained sound techs were standing in the audience, and we were going to be recorded and dubbed in as audience sound in the film. The cheers, stomps and chants of the audience in Tron: Legacy may actually be Comic-Con attendees from Hall H! We made the sounds at the appropriate times (modeled after the bouncing-ball sing-a-long system) and it was a lot of fun. Look for Tron: Legacy to pull you into an amazing technological experience in theaters December 17th.