The next installment in Disney’s “Tron” franchise has finally found a director. Garth Davis (“Lion”) is set to helm the sci-fi flick starring Jared Leto, Deadline reports.
The third entry in the “Tron” series has been in development hell, or a “cryogenic freeze,” as “Tron: Legacy” director Joseph Kosinski called it, for nearly 10 years. A sequel to Kosinski’s “Tron: Legacy” was rumored to be in development beginning in late 2010. It wasn’t until the announcement of Jared Leto’s casting in 2017 that “Tron” fans began to feel hopeful that the sequel was actually going to happen.
The attachment of Garth Davis to the highly anticipated “Tron” film marks an important milestone in the long path to production. Though the sequel has yet to be greenlit by Disney, Davis’ involvement in the project has renewed hope that the “Tron: Legacy” sequel will hit screens sooner rather than later.
The “Tron” franchise has garnered a cult following over the years. It began with Disney’s 1982 “Tron,” starring Jeff Bridges. The unexpected popularity of the Steven Lisberger film led to an eventual television series, theme park attraction, and film sequel, which grossed over $400 million worldwide.
Garth Davis has directed two feature films: 2016’s “Lion” and 2018’s “Mary Magdalene.” “Lion” was his directorial debut and was nominated for six Oscars at the 89th Academy Awards, including for Best Picture. “Mary Magdalene” is a biblical drama starring Rooney Mara and Joaquin Phoenix. It received mixed reviews upon its release.
The upcoming “Tron” sequel will be Davis’ first big-budget tentpole. He will direct the script penned by Jesse Wigutow. Jared Leto, Emma Ludbrook, and Justin Springer will produce.
