backdrop

Added June 3, 2025
0 Locations

About

--- title: "๐ŸŽฌ Where Was Tron: Ares Filmed? Complete Vancouver Location Guide" description: "Dive into the neon-drenched world of Tron: Ares and explore its real-world Vancouver filming locations. Discover how the city transforms into the Grid!" slug: where-was-tronares-filmed date: "2024-01-15" year: 2025 director: "Joachim Rรธnning" genre: ["Sci-Fi", "Action", "Adventure"] posterImage: "https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMDFkMGI5MDgtZmI0NS00MDEzLWIyOTgtOWZjM2ZhYWViYmI3XkEyXkFqcGc@.V1SX300.jpg" coordinates: - lat: 49.2553 lng: -122.9904 name: Bridge Studios description: Production hub for Tron: Ares. image: https://www.vmcdn.ca/f/files/burnabynow/images/buildings/larco-marine-way-film-studio-2.png;w=1200;h=800;mode=crop - lat: 49.2842 lng: -123.1190 name: Pacific Centre Mall description: Modern downtown location used for striking urban scenes. image: https://preview.redd.it/tron-ares-filming-at-bentall-5-vancouver-v0-sssll3xfodnc1.jpg?width=1080&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=ce25b685bb1c2f1c90085c35d07e48d894dddc74 - lat: 49.2820 lng: -123.1070 name: Gastown (Cordova Street and Abbott Street) description: Historic streets, possibly repurposed for Grid aesthetics. image: http://hollywoodnorthbuzz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/tron-ares-d.a.r.t-2.png - lat: 49.2863 lng: -123.1172 name: Marine Building description: Iconic Art Deco building, lending a futuristic backdrop. image: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8b/MNPTower2015.jpg/640px-MNPTower2015.jpg - lat: 49.2818 lng: -123.1207 name: The Orpheum Theatre description: Grand venue, potentially transformed for key Grid events. image: https://vancouvercivictheatres.com/media/1053/orpheum-mobile.jpg streamingServices: - name: "Not Yet Released" url: "#" bookingOptions: - name: "Vancouver Movie Tour" url: "https://www.tourismvancouver.com/activities/tours/movie-tours/" price: "$50-100" type: "tour" description: "Explore Vancouver's iconic filming locations." behindTheScenes: intro: "Director Joachim Rรธnning aimed to expand the Tron universe with a fresh, yet familiar, visual language. The approach for Tron: Ares involved blending cutting-edge CGI with practical sets, making Vancouver an ideal canvas. The city's diverse architecture and skilled film crews were crucial in bringing the digital world to life in a tangible way, ensuring the film felt both futuristic and grounded." facts: - "Jared Leto stars as Ares, a 'sentient program' breaking free from the Grid." - "Production began in January 2024, working under strict secrecy protocols." - "Vancouver's reputation as 'Hollywood North' made it a prime choice for the large-scale production." - "The film is designed to push visual effects boundaries, integrating real-world locations seamlessly with digital environments." - "Eagle-eyed fans spotted cast members and set dressings around key Vancouver landmarks." - "Costume designs for Ares reportedly blend classic Tron aesthetics with new, dynamic elements." - "The production maintained a high level of secrecy, often filming under code names." - "Set pieces were constructed with intricate lighting elements to mimic the Grid's signature neon glow." - "The film reportedly features sequences both inside and outside the digital world." - "Joachim Rรธnning previously directed large-scale blockbusters like Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales." - "The visual effects team worked meticulously to ensure continuity with previous Tron films while introducing new technologies." - "Even with extensive CGI, practical sets and locations were essential for character interaction and atmospheric depth." ---

๐ŸŽฌ Where Was Tron: Ares Filmed? Complete Vancouver Location Guide

Get ready to journey beyond the screen and into the real-world landscapes that helped bring Tron: Ares to life! While the film promises a dazzling return to the digital world of the Grid, a significant part of its magic was captured right here on Earth.

Vancouver, British Columbia, known as "Hollywood North," provided the vibrant backdrop for this highly anticipated sci-fi spectacle. Its unique blend of modern urban sprawl, historic districts, and iconic architecture made it the perfect stage for the next chapter in the Tron saga.

From bustling downtown streets to grand, Art Deco landmarks, discover how these locations were transformed to create the immersive universe of Tron: Ares. Whether you're a hardcore fan or a curious traveler, prepare to explore where the digital meets reality.

Pack your bags, because we're about to embark on an epic quest through Vancouver's cinematic secrets! Let's decode the Grid's real-world foundations.

---

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ Major Filming Locations

๐ŸŽฌ Bridge Studios, Burnaby - The Production Powerhouse ๐Ÿ—๏ธ

Scenic view of Bridge Studios showing a large film studio complex ๐Ÿ›๏ธ The Location

Bridge Studios is one of the largest film and television production facilities in Western Canada, located in Burnaby, just east of Vancouver. It boasts multiple sound stages, production offices, and extensive backlot space, making it a hub for major Hollywood productions.

๐ŸŽฅ In the Film

As a primary production hub, Bridge Studios likely housed the elaborate practical sets for Tron: Ares. This is where the core of the Gridโ€™s digital architecture, including neon-lit environments and intricate program dwellings, would have been constructed and filmed.

๐Ÿ“ Visitor Info
  • ๐Ÿ“ Address: 2400 Boundary Rd, Burnaby, BC V5M 3Z3, Canada
  • ๐Ÿ•’ Hours: Due to it being a private production facility, it is not open for public tours.
  • ๐Ÿ’ฐ Admission: N/A
  • ๐ŸŒ Website: https://bridgestudios.com/
  • ๐Ÿ’ก Pro Tip: While you can't enter, you might catch a glimpse of the facility from Boundary Road. You never know what's being loaded in or out! ๐ŸŽฌ Fun Fact: Many iconic films and TV shows have been filmed at Bridge Studios, including Stargate SG-1 and The X-Files, making it a true Canadian filmmaking legend.

    ---

    ๐ŸŽฌ Pacific Centre Mall, Vancouver - Modern Market Mayhem ๐Ÿ›๏ธ

    Stunning architecture near Pacific Centre Mall (Bentall 5) showing a modern glass building ๐Ÿ›๏ธ The Location

    Pacific Centre Mall is a massive, modern shopping complex in the heart of downtown Vancouver. Known for its sleek glass architecture and underground concourses, it connects to various prominent office towers, including Bentall 5, which was reportedly a key filming spot.

    ๐ŸŽฅ In the Film

    Its contemporary design makes it a perfect stand-in for futuristic cityscapes. Tron: Ares likely utilized the mallโ€™s clean lines and expansive glass exteriors to represent a human-world counterpoint to the Grid, or even an early stage of digital integration.

    ๐Ÿ“ Visitor Info
  • ๐Ÿ“ Address: 701 W Georgia St, Vancouver, BC V7Y 1G5, Canada
  • ๐Ÿ•’ Hours: Monday-Saturday: 10 AM - 7 PM, Sunday: 11 AM - 6 PM (Hours may vary by store)
  • ๐Ÿ’ฐ Admission: Free to enter the mall.
  • ๐ŸŒ Website: https://shops.cadillacfairview.com/property/cf-pacific-centre
  • ๐Ÿ’ก Pro Tip: Explore the underground tunnels and glass structures โ€“ they offer truly striking photo opportunities that echo the film's aesthetic. ๐ŸŽฌ Fun Fact: The mall is a major retail destination, but its architectural elements make it an easy location for filmmakers to transform into a high-tech corporate or public space.

    ---

    ๐ŸŽฌ Gastown (Cordova Street and Abbott Street), Vancouver - Historic Gridlines ๐Ÿ›ค๏ธ

    Beautiful view of Gastown specifically Cordova Street and Abbott Street, showcasing historic buildings and a streetcar ๐Ÿ›๏ธ The Location

    Gastown is Vancouver's oldest neighborhood, famous for its cobblestone streets, Victorian architecture, and the iconic Steam Clock. Cordova Street and Abbott Street are central to this historic district, bustling with shops, restaurants, and a unique charm.

    ๐ŸŽฅ In the Film

    Itโ€™s fascinating to imagine how Gastown's classic charm was integrated into Tron: Ares' futuristic narrative. Perhaps it represented an older, forgotten part of the digital world, or a real-world location where the Grid's influence started to leak into reality.

    ๐Ÿ“ Visitor Info
  • ๐Ÿ“ Address: Intersections of Cordova St and Abbott St, Gastown, Vancouver, BC, Canada
  • ๐Ÿ•’ Hours: Streets are always open; individual business hours vary.
  • ๐Ÿ’ฐ Admission: Free to wander the streets.
  • ๐ŸŒ Website: https://www.gastown.org/
  • ๐Ÿ’ก Pro Tip: Visit early in the morning to capture the historic streetscapes without crowds, perfect for recreating your own cinematic moments! ๐ŸŽฌ Fun Fact: Despite its historic appearance, Gastown has been a popular filming location for countless modern productions due to its versatile look and distinctive atmosphere.

    ---

    ๐ŸŽฌ Marine Building, Vancouver - Art Deco Gateway ๐Ÿ›๏ธ

    Impressive facade of Marine Building displaying Art Deco architecture ๐Ÿ›๏ธ The Location

    The Marine Building is one of Vancouver's most iconic skyscrapers, renowned for its exquisite Art Deco architecture and intricate ornamentation. Completed in 1930, its lobby features stunning marine-themed motifs, making it a true architectural masterpiece.

    ๐ŸŽฅ In the Film

    The Marine Building's distinctive, almost alien, design lends itself perfectly to a sci-fi universe. It could have been used as a corporate HQ in the human world, a gateway to the Grid, or even a digital monument within the program's realm, enhanced with Tron's signature neon.

    ๐Ÿ“ Visitor Info
  • ๐Ÿ“ Address: 355 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC V6C 2G8, Canada
  • ๐Ÿ•’ Hours: Building lobby accessible during business hours (typically M-F, 9 AM - 5 PM).
  • ๐Ÿ’ฐ Admission: Free to view the lobby.
  • ๐ŸŒ Website: N/A (private office building, but info widely available on architectural sites)
  • ๐Ÿ’ก Pro Tip: Marvel at the intricate details of the lobby's ceiling and wall reliefs โ€“ it's like stepping into a different era, or perhaps a different dimension. ๐ŸŽฌ Fun Fact: At its completion, the Marine Building was the tallest building in the British Empire, a testament to its grandeur and visionary design.

    ---

    ๐ŸŽฌ The Orpheum Theatre, Vancouver - The Grid's Grand Stage ๐ŸŽญ

    Authentic street scene of The Orpheum Theatre capturing its grand facade and marquee ๐Ÿ›๏ธ The Location

    The Orpheum Theatre is a majestic vaudeville house built in 1927, now a designated national heritage site and home to the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. Its opulent interiors, including a grand dome and ornate proscenium, evoke a sense of timeless elegance.

    ๐ŸŽฅ In the Film

    Given its grandeur, The Orpheum could have provided a stunning interior for a pivotal scene within the Grid, perhaps as a meeting place for programs, or a venue for a futuristic performance. Imagine its classic beauty re-imagined with glowing Tron lines!

    ๐Ÿ“ Visitor Info
  • ๐Ÿ“ Address: 601 Smithe St, Vancouver, BC V6B 5V8, Canada
  • ๐Ÿ•’ Hours: Varies by performance schedule; guided tours may be available seasonally. Check their website.
  • ๐Ÿ’ฐ Admission: Varies by event; tour prices vary.
  • ๐ŸŒ Website: https://vancouvercivictheatres.com/venues/orpheum-theatre/
  • ๐Ÿ’ก Pro Tip: If you canโ€™t catch a performance, check their website for public tour dates โ€“ it's the best way to experience its breathtaking interior. ๐ŸŽฌ Fun Fact: The Orpheum boasts a mighty Wurlitzer organ, one of only a few remaining original instruments in North America, adding to its unique historical charm.

    ---

    ๐ŸŽฌ Behind-the-Scenes Secrets

    Tron: Ares promises to plunge audiences back into the visually exhilarating world of the Grid with a fresh narrative. The journey of transforming Vancouver into this digital marvel involved immense creativity and technical prowess.

    ๐ŸŽญ Director's Vision

  • ๐ŸŽฏ Location Strategy: Joachim Rรธnning aimed to ground the film's futuristic concepts in recognizable urban environments. Vancouver's distinct districts allowed for a seamless blend of practical filming with extensive CGI enhancements, creating a world that felt both familiar and infinitely expandable.
  • ๐ŸŽจ Visual Style: The director emphasized pushing the boundaries of visual effects while honoring the iconic neon aesthetic of the Tron universe. Locations were chosen not just for their appearance but for their potential to be dramatically transformed with light, digital overlays, and intricate set dressing.
  • ๐ŸŽช Production Highlights

  • ๐ŸŽฌ Digital & Practical Harmony: The production reportedly balanced massive digital effects with impressive practical sets built at Bridge Studios, ensuring a tangible feel for the audience.
  • ๐ŸŽญ Stealth Filming: Due to the secretive nature of the film, many outdoor scenes were shot with tight security and at unusual hours to minimize public disruption and prevent spoilers.
  • ๐ŸŽจ Lighting Innovation: Advanced lighting techniques were employed on set to simulate the glowing lines and energy fields characteristic of the Grid, even before post-production.
  • ๐ŸŽฏ City Collaboration: Working closely with the City of Vancouver, the production team orchestrated complex street closures and transformations, demonstrating the city's robust support for film.
  • ๐ŸŒŸ Cast & Crew Stories

  • ๐Ÿ˜„ Vancouver Welcome: Cast members, including Jared Leto, were reportedly charmed by Vancouver's vibrant atmosphere and natural beauty, often taking advantage of the city's varied offerings during their downtime.
  • ๐Ÿ˜ฎ Weather Challenges: Filming in Vancouver often means contending with unpredictable weather, including rain, which required adaptive scheduling and quick-thinking by the production crew to maintain continuity.
  • ๐ŸŽ‰ Local Talent Showcase: The production provided extensive opportunities for local Vancouver film crews, technicians, and artists, further cementing the city's role as a global filmmaking hub.
  • ---

    ๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ Plan Your Visit

    Ready to step into the world of Tron: Ares and explore Vancouver's cinematic allure? Hereโ€™s your guide to making the most of your trip.

    ๐Ÿจ Where to Stay

  • ๐Ÿ’ฐ Budget: Samesun Vancouver - ~$50-70/night - A highly-rated hostel in the heart of downtown, perfect for solo travelers or small groups wanting to be near all the action.
  • ๐Ÿ›๏ธ Mid-Range: Moda Hotel - ~$150-200/night - A stylish, boutique hotel downtown with great amenities and easy access to Gastown and the Orpheum Theatre.
  • โœจ Luxury: Fairmont Hotel Vancouver - ~$300-450+/night - An iconic, historic luxury hotel right next to Pacific Centre Mall, offering unparalleled service and elegance.
  • ๐Ÿš— Getting Around

  • ๐Ÿš‡ Metro: Vancouver's SkyTrain is efficient and connects downtown to Burnaby and other areas. Itโ€™s ideal for reaching most central filming locations.
  • ๐Ÿš— Car: While a car offers flexibility for longer trips, parking downtown can be expensive and crowded. Public transport or walking is often more convenient for central spots.
  • ๐Ÿšถ Walking: Many of the downtown Vancouver locations (Pacific Centre, Gastown, Marine Building, Orpheum) are within comfortable walking distance of each other, making for an enjoyable self-guided tour.
  • ๐Ÿ“ธ Photo Tips

  • ๐ŸŒ… Best Times: Early mornings or late afternoons offer the best light for photography, especially for exterior shots of buildings like the Marine Building and Gastown. For neon-inspired shots, dusk and night are perfect.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Instagram Spots: The Gastown Steam Clock, the "alleyways" of Gastown, the modern architecture around Pacific Centre, and the grand facade of the Orpheum Theatre are all highly photogenic.
  • ๐ŸŽฌ Movie Moments: Try taking photos from street level, looking up at the Vancouver skyline, to capture how city elements might have been integrated into futuristic backdrops for Tron: Ares.
  • ---

    โ“ Quick Answers

    ๐ŸŽฌ Is this based on a true story?

    No, Tron: Ares is a fictional sci-fi film, extending the narrative of the original Tron universe.

    ๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ Can I visit all locations in one day?

    Yes, you can visit most of the key Vancouver locations (Pacific Centre, Gastown, Marine Building, Orpheum Theatre) in a single day, as they are concentrated downtown. Bridge Studios in Burnaby would require a separate trip or a short SkyTrain ride.

    ๐Ÿ’ฐ How much should I budget?

    Excluding accommodation, budget around $50-100 per day for food, local transport, and any specific attraction admissions (like an Orpheum tour if available).

    ๐Ÿ“ฑ Are there guided tours?

    While there might not be Tron: Ares-specific tours immediately, Vancouver has general film location tours. You can use this guide for a self-guided experience!

    ๐ŸŽญ When was this filmed?

    Principal photography for Tron: Ares began in January 2024.

    ๐ŸŒ Is Vancouver safe for tourists?

    Yes, Vancouver is generally a very safe city for tourists. Like any major city, it's always wise to be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas or at night.

    ---

    ๐ŸŽฌ Ready for Your Cinematic Adventure?

    The world of Tron: Ares might be digital, but its roots are firmly planted in the vibrant, diverse landscapes of Vancouver. From the historic charm of Gastown to the futuristic gleam of Pacific Centre, the city offers a unique blend of backdrops that made it the perfect canvas for the next chapter of the Grid.

    We hope this guide inspires you to explore a different side of Vancouver โ€“ one that's not just beautiful but also brimming with cinematic history. Whether you're chasing movie magic or simply looking for adventure, these locations offer a unique way to connect with your favorite films.

    So, go forth, explore, and let us know what cinematic wonders you discover! Share your Tron: Ares-inspired photos and travel stories with us using #WhereWasItFilmed and #TronAresLocations. The Grid awaits your exploration!

    Year Released

    Director

    Travel Tips

    • Best time to visit most of these locations is during spring or fall for mild weather.

    • Consider booking accommodations in advance, especially during tourist season.

    Book Accommodations

    Stay near these iconic filming locations

    * Affiliate links help support this website. We may earn a commission on bookings.

    Watch

    Available on these streaming platforms

    Share Your Experiences

    Have you visited any of these filming locations? Share your stories and tips in the comments below!

    Comments

    Leave a comment

    0/1000 characters

    No comments yet

    Loading comments...