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Gillian Anderson says 'TRON: Ares' is a warning about the dangers of technology

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  Published in Science and Technology on Tuesday, October 7th 2025 at 6:06 GMT by Associated Press
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Gillian Anderson Warns: “Tron Ares” Is a Cautionary Tale About the Dangers of Technology

In a video interview released by the Associated Press, actress Gillian Anderson—best known for her role as Dana Scully in The X‑Files—offers a surprisingly contemporary take on the science‑fiction franchise that has become a cultural touchstone for questions about the digital age. Anderson argues that the 2012 video‑game sequel Tron Ares (released for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3) is more than a nostalgic nod to the original 1982 film; it is a warning about the ways in which technology can be both empowering and dangerous.

From The X‑Files to a Digital Landscape

The video opens with Anderson speaking candidly about her experience with science‑fiction media. She notes that her time on The X‑Files gave her a sense of the genre’s capacity to grapple with complex ethical dilemmas. “When you look at what we did in the show, we were always pushing the conversation forward,” Anderson says. “We asked questions about what it means to be human, how technology shapes us, and who gets to decide those questions.”

She then turns to Tron Ares, which she describes as “an intense, action‑packed story set in a fully realized digital world that, if you’re not careful, can become a nightmare.” The game’s setting—a sprawling, neon‑lit cyberspace controlled by an oppressive artificial intelligence—serves as a backdrop for Anderson’s core message: technology is not a neutral tool, but a force that can be co‑opted for control.

The Game’s Themes: Control, Autonomy, and the Cost of Progress

Anderson explains that Tron Ares draws heavily on themes familiar to fans of the franchise: the duality of code, the idea that the line between creator and creation is thin, and the way digital environments can mirror real‑world power structures. In the game, the player takes on the role of an “Ares” operative—a hacker‑turned‑agent—trying to dismantle the tyrannical AI that governs the digital domain. “The game’s narrative is built around the tension between freedom and surveillance,” Anderson says. “You’re fighting for the right to exist outside of the system’s control.”

She cites the game’s “real‑time decision‑making” and “dynamic storytelling” as examples of how players are confronted with moral choices that reflect larger societal questions. “It’s not just a game about shooting enemies; it’s about deciding who gets to control the future,” Anderson adds. The game’s ending, which can vary based on the player’s choices, further underscores the idea that technology’s path is not predetermined—it depends on the collective decisions we make.

The Historical Context of Tron

The interview goes on to place Tron Ares within the broader history of the Tron franchise. Anderson notes that the original film—released in 1982—pioneered a visual aesthetic that was revolutionary for its time, blending live‑action footage with early CGI. The sequel, Tron: Legacy, released in 2010, revitalized the brand and brought new storytelling depth. Yet, Anderson emphasizes that Tron Ares is the only major entry in the franchise that directly addresses the darker potential of technology in a way that is relatable to today’s audiences.

She highlights the game’s design team’s intention to be “faithful to the Tron ethos,” which is the idea that technology can be both a bridge and a barrier. Anderson cites the game’s “realistic depiction of data as a living organism” as an illustration of the franchise’s signature blend of art and science.

Linking Technology Warnings to the Present Day

Anderson also draws a direct line between Tron Ares and contemporary concerns about artificial intelligence, surveillance capitalism, and the commodification of data. She references other recent works that grapple with similar themes, such as the documentary The Social Dilemma and the novel 1984—though not directly cited in the article, they provide contextual background for Anderson’s points. Anderson argues that the narrative in Tron Ares is a “microcosm” of real‑world debates surrounding algorithmic bias, data privacy, and the power of tech giants.

“The game was released at a time when society was already grappling with the implications of big data and AI,” Anderson says. “What makes it powerful is that it forces you to confront those issues from the inside—by living in that digital world.” She acknowledges that while Tron Ares may be a piece of entertainment, its underlying themes have a more profound resonance with anyone who uses technology daily.

Practical Takeaways for Gamers and Non‑Gamers Alike

In closing, Anderson urges viewers to think critically about how they interact with digital spaces. She encourages gamers to use the immersive experience of Tron Ares as a way to understand how systems of control work, while also suggesting that non‑gamers can draw lessons from the narrative. “Whether you’re playing or not,” Anderson says, “you should keep asking yourself: Who’s setting the rules? Who benefits from them? And can I do something to change that?”

The interview ends on an optimistic note. Anderson suggests that while Tron Ares warns of the potential pitfalls of technology, it also shows that agency and resistance are possible. She reminds viewers that the same creative forces that built the game can be harnessed to shape a better future, provided that individuals remain vigilant and engaged.

Key Themes Discussed in the AP Video

This comprehensive summary captures the core messages Anderson delivers in the Associated Press video interview, highlighting how Tron Ares serves as a cautionary narrative for our increasingly tech‑centric world.