David Warner: My Portraits Featured in Tron: Ares

A Tribute to a Legend, Reborn on Screen

It was a wonderful surprise to see my portraits of the late, great David Warner appear twice in the newly released Tron: Ares — once as a framed painting within a pivotal office scene, and again as part of an onscreen newscast montage. To witness Warner resurrected, recognised, and woven into the visual language of the film was deeply moving.

The images featured were created during my unforgettable portrait sitting with David in 2013 — a session that remains one of the highlights of my career.

David Warner Portrait Sitting

November 20, 2013 – London

For decades, David Warner avoided formal portrait sittings. The last time he had agreed to one was in 1965, when Cecil Beaton coaxed the then-24-year-old actor into posing for what became an iconic series of images.

By the time I sought to photograph him for my Northerners exhibition in 2013, Warner was 72 — seasoned, expressive, and possessing one of the most commanding faces in British theatre and cinema.

David Warner: My Portraits Featured in Tron: Ares (Image Courtesy of Disney) Portrait Rory Lewis.

David Warner: My Portraits Featured in Tron: Ares (Image Courtesy of Disney) Portrait Rory Lewis.

Determined to secure the sitting, I wrote to his representatives in both the UK and USA, but received no reply. I persisted, and eventually discovered he would be appearing at a Hammer Horror convention in London. I hand-delivered another letter on the day of the event.

A few days later, I received the message I had been hoping for: David agreed to sit.

As a lifelong admirer of his work — from Morgan: A Suitable Case for Treatment and A Midsummer Night’s Dream to Time Bandits, The Omen, Cross of Iron, Titanic, Holocaust, Star Trek V & VI, Planet of the Apes, and of course the original Tron — the opportunity to direct him in a portrait session was extraordinary.

A Memorable Session

David was remarkable in front of the camera. His presence shifted effortlessly between reflective stillness and powerful, cinematic intensity. Every expression held weight — the kind of depth that only a lifetime in performance can create.

Following the sitting, one of the portraits was acquired by the National Portrait Gallery for its permanent collection — a testament to Warner’s cultural significance and the strength of the session.

David Warner Returns in Tron: Ares

Seeing David appear again in Tron: Ares — his likeness drawn from my portrait — was profoundly meaningful. His legacy continues not only through his performances, but also through the visual record we created together.

In a film universe so intertwined with memory, identity and digital immortality, it feels fitting that Warner is woven into its imagery once more.

In Memory

David Warner (1941–2022)
A master of his craft, a face of uncommon presence, and an artist whose work has shaped generations of film and theatre lovers.

Obituary: The Guardian
https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2022/jul/25/david-warner-obituary