The Disney Sci-Fi Franchise That Helped Gillian Anderson Land Her X-Files Role

Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) from ‘The X-Files’ may have been an homage to a different characterbut it is an icon in its own right. Scully is the model of the confident woman in STEM, so much so that the empowering portrayal of the character began The Scully effect. Exceptional FBI special agent/doctor, she is the equivalent of her more instinctive partner, Fox Mulder (David Duchovny). These contradictory personalities are delightful subversions of familiar stereotypes, where Mulder’s obsessive impulses contrast with Scully’s scientific skepticism. The duo work incredibly well together and are so much more than their basic personalities: they are complex, dynamic human beings who can be flawed and, more importantly, they can evolve.

But what sparked Anderson’s sincere interest in science fiction as a genre? In an interview with Radio schedulesThe actor explained that his involvement in “Tron: Ares” is somewhat of a full circle, since the original “Tron” sparked his interest in the genre in the first place:

“I was a fan of the first [1982’s ‘Tron’]. I think I came to it a little late, but it probably impacted or influenced – among other sci-fi films – my interest in getting into some of the sci-fi stuff that I did early in my career. [It was] an accumulation of various things, and it’s certainly one of the films that probably had this positive impact. “

“Tron” has an amazing legacy, uh, for two reasons. Firstly, it used a lot of CGI at a time when that wasn’t the norm, and secondly, it paints an interesting picture of artificial intelligence and its relationship to humanity. “Tron: Ares” attempts to reinvent these themes, but is unfortunately overshadowed by its predecessor (the criminally overlooked “Tron: Legacy”), which takes a more meaningful approach to its central postulate.

“Tron: Ares” doesn’t really have much to offer, other than a soundtrack by Nine Inch Nails (read/Film review here). Its narrative and thematic merits are almost non-existent, as much of its message feels empty and completely divorced from what has already been established by the franchise. Greta Lee and Jodie Turner-Smith are given very little to work with, and even Anderson’s presence fails to elevate the exposition-heavy sequences that sorely lack momentum or whimsy.

“The X-Files” actor plays Elisabeth Dillinger, who grew her father’s company into a tech giant and passed it on to her son, Julian (Evan Peters). It’s Julian who sends “the perfect, replaceable soldier,” Ares (Jared Leto), into the real world with the intention of stealing something important from ENCOM.

Anderson’s Elisabeth is primarily delegated to parental supervision, where all she does is repeatedly warn Julian about overstepping the bounds of his ambition. Surely, someone of Anderson’s caliber deserves a meatier character who does more than exist on the fringes of the narrative? Instead, Elisabeth falls victim to flimsy characterization in a film full of people with threadbare motivations, which is a shame considering the immensely talented cast could have been given much, much more to work with.

Although “Tron: Ares” marks a (disappointing) return to science fiction for Anderson, you can check out some overlooked genre titles she’s starred in over the years, including “Robot Overlords” and “UFO.” In case you want to know more about Dana Scully after your umpteenth rewatch of “The X-Files,” there’s always “The X-Files Game” and “The X-Files: Resist or Serve,” where Anderson once again voices the beloved character.