This is one we saw coming from a mile away, but it’s nice to get the official word. Disney is bringing back Tron Legacy to San Diego Comic-Con 2010, this time with a panel that promises surprise guests. Read the complete press release after the break.
NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
“ComiTRON” TAKES OVER COMIC-CON INTERNATIONAL 2010 ON JULY 22
Convention’s Panel Presentation Features Filmmakers and Talent
from the Highly Anticipated 3D High-tech Cultural Phenomenon
Walt Disney Pictures’
“TRON: Legacy” Opens in US Theaters in Disney Digital 3D
and IMAX® 3D on December 17, 2010
BURBANK, Calif. (June 17, 2010) — Returning for an unprecedented third year to the fans and Convention that “started it all,” Walt Disney Pictures is pleased to present a very special, insider look at its upcoming “TRON: Legacy” at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con International Convention. At 11:15 a.m. on Thursday, July 22, 2010, the panel presentation will be held in Hall H of the San Diego Convention Center. On the dais will be filmmakers and talent from the film, including director Joe Kosinski, producers Sean Bailey and Steven Lisberger as wells as cast members Jeff Bridges, Garrett Hedlund, Olivia Wilde, Michael Sheen and Bruce Boxleitner. The panel discussion, to be moderated by Patton Oswalt, is set to include exclusive glimpses of the film, as well as a Q & A involving all panel participants, along with special surprise guests.
It was at the 2008 Convention that the vision of a 21st century TRON was born. When VFX test footage was shown to a packed hall of incredibly surprised convention attendees, it was met with such an overwhelmingly positive response—becoming the “it” moment of the Convention—that the studio gave the film an enthusiastic green light. In 2009 “TRON: Legacy” returned to Comic-Con with an expanded presence and this year, the filmmakers and cast are back with never before seen visuals and “scoop” for the Convention fans who have been such an instrumental part of the story of “TRON: Legacy.”
Director Joe Kosinski comments: “When we made the teaser, we envisioned it as a sneak peek at the potential of this project. We set out to stay true to the characters, the vehicles, and the world established in the first film—then show its evolution. When it took off with the fans, we knew we were in the right place. Because they’ve been key to getting this story told, we’re back to keep them involved, and excited to finally present actual footage from the film to the audience that made it all possible.”
To add to the excitement of this extraordinary event, Disney will showcase an interactive TRON booth on the convention floor (located on aisle #3712), giving fans a first look at the all new “TRON: Legacy” inspired merchandise launching this fall. Capturing the action, light, and cool aesthetic style of the film, the display will include toys, electronics, collectibles, apparel, accessories, publishing and the “TRON: Evolution” video game from Disney Interactive Studios. Comic-Con exclusive products will also be on sale. Disney will also reveal exciting new mobile content at the event.
About “TRON: Legacy”
“TRON: Legacy” is a 3D action-packed adventure set in a digital world unlike anything captured on the big screen. Sam Flynn (Garrett Hedlund), a rebellious 27-year-old, is haunted by the mysterious disappearance of his father Kevin Flynn (Oscar® and Golden Globe® winner Jeff Bridges), a man once known as the world’s leading video-game developer. When Sam investigates a strange signal sent from the abandoned Flynn’s Arcade—that could have only come from his father—he finds himself pulled into a world where Kevin has been trapped for 20 years. With the help of the fearless warrior Quorra (Olivia Wilde), father and son embark on a life-or-death journey across a visually stunning universe—created by Kevin Himself—which has become far more advanced with never-before-imagined vehicles, weapons and landscapes, and a ruthless villain who will stop at nothing to prevent their escape.
Presented in Disney Digital 3D™ and scored by Grammy Award®–winning electronic music duo Daft Punk, “TRON: Legacy” hits theaters on December 17, 2010.
About Comic-Con 2010:
Comic-Con International is a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to creating awareness of, and appreciation for, comics and related popular art forms, primarily through the presentation of conventions and events that celebrate the historic and ongoing contribution of comics to art and culture. This year’s annual convention runs July 22-25 at the San Diego Convention Center.
Of course, you should remember Legacy’s presence at last year’s Comic-Con, where Disney actually set up a working Flynn’s Arcade in San Diego. While the press release for this year doesn’t mention any viral marketing, I’m sure that’s where 42 Entertainment is looking to pick up the ARG again after the current break. We’ll keep an eye out.
As we mentioned before, MovieViral will be covering Comic-Con live from the convention floor, as we try to get as many pictures, video, and audio files as possible. Our focus will be on viral marketing as always (especially Tron), but we’ll be covering all the news we can. Want us to cover something specific? Let us know in the comments below! Be sure to check back in mid-July for our Comic-Con 2010 Preview, and we’ll continue to bring you all the news leading up to the event. Follow our full continuous coverage here, and email us if you find anything yourself!