The newest addition to the iconic science fiction franchise, ‘Tron: Ares’, is set to premiere on October 10, 2023. In this highly anticipated film, actor Evan Peters steps into the role of the antagonist, Julian Dillinger, a corporate CEO who unleashes military-grade artificial intelligence to wreak havoc on our world. Dillinger’s character embodies the archetypal villain, reminiscent of classic melodramatic figures, but with modern complexities that challenge traditional portrayals.
In a recent Zoom interview, Peters shared insights about his experience working on the film with director Joachim Rønning. Rønning encouraged Peters to explore various interpretations of Dillinger, leading to a range of performances during filming. “We did a straight one, did a kind of goofy one, did a kind of crazy one, a maniacal one, did a kind of funny one,” Peters explained. This experimentation allowed the creative team to discover the character’s best fit within the film’s tone.
Peters is no stranger to playing villains; he previously won a Golden Globe for his portrayal of serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer in ‘Dahmer — Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story’. Speaking about the cathartic nature of playing such dark characters, he noted that it can be deflating when the villain ultimately meets defeat. However, Peters finds that the science fiction setting of ‘Tron: Ares’ offers a unique opportunity to inject a sense of levity into the role. “I really had a lot of fun working on this movie,” he said, despite some of his creative ideas not making it into the final cut.
Born in Ballwin, Missouri, Peters discovered the original ‘Tron’ film at a young age. He recalled watching it while home sick from school, captivated by its groundbreaking visual effects. “I fell in love with it, and thought it was awesome,” he said. The sequel, ‘Tron: Legacy’, released a decade later, further deepened his appreciation for the franchise’s intricate world-building and visual artistry.
Peters relocated to Michigan during his teenage years but frequently returns to St. Louis to visit family. His journey into acting began with the Flint Youth Theater and continued when he was discovered by a modeling talent agency, Avanti. After impressing a manager in Los Angeles, he made the bold decision to pursue acting full-time, supported by his family. “I just love movies and TV so much that the opportunity to be a part of it was a dream come true,” he explained.
His early career included supporting roles in various films and television shows, such as ‘The Mentalist’ and ‘The Office’. However, his breakthrough came with the anthology series ‘American Horror Story’, where he portrayed multiple characters over its first five seasons. Peters received an Emmy Award for his performance in the acclaimed miniseries ‘Mare of Easttown’, where he played a dedicated detective alongside Kate Winslet. Reflecting on that experience, he expressed disbelief at having the chance to work with such esteemed talent and praised the high-quality writing and direction.
With over 21 years in the industry, Peters has successfully navigated various roles and genres. Despite his accomplishments, he still harbors aspirations to explore different storytelling styles. He expressed interest in creating “something very St. Louis,” a slice-of-life drama that delves into family and suburban issues. “I think there’s a lot in there… diving into very real problems,” he said, drawing parallels to films like ‘American Beauty’.
As ‘Tron: Ares’ approaches its release, Peters’ evolution as an actor continues to resonate with audiences, showcasing his ability to take on diverse and challenging roles in a storied film franchise.
