Photos from Disney
The official website for the movie’s upcoming sequel, TRON: Legacy, credits Shor as one of the movie’s antagonists. But when we called to ask Shor about his involvement, he had some surprising responses.
Is it true that you’re playing the “elite combatant” Rinzler in TRON: Legacy?
I know nothing about anything about this film. I read that I was in it. I’m not.*
Can you imagine how you would fit into a sequel?
A sequel was very doable. [The programs] can always be re-rezzed.
How has the world changed since the original Tron, since you were involved in one of the first mainstream portrayals of computers?
We were the user’s computers. Now everyone has an MCP. It’s basically come true.
You left Northwestern in 1975 after a year in the theater department. Any fond memories?
Yes and no. It’s a little freezing. I remember the theater department was amazing. And I hear it still is.
So why did you leave?
I went and got a job in the business and never went back, much to the consternation of my professors. I now teach and I would never tell a student to turn down a job.
Do you ever regret not finishing?
I just got my bachelor’s in 2010. I’ve taught in academics, but I can’t teach in college because I don’t have the degrees. If I were to advise theater students, [I’d tell them to] study arts administration and financing. The artist within you will do production already. Study the shit [you] don’t like.
*A publicist for Walt Disney Studios confirms Shor is not involved in TRON: Legacy.