In the Spring of 2012, Disney premiered two new animated series on its DisneyXD network - Motorcity, and Tron: Uprising. These series follow the stories of Chilton and Beck - two characters who both rise to become reluctant heroes in societies where curtailed rights and freedoms have become the norm. Both shows portray their plots and ideas through a level of storytelling, characterization, and artistic style which are sorely lacking from most contemporary animated programming.

Recently, Disney Animation Studios has decided it will not renew either series for any additional seasons.

We the undersigned beg them to reconsider. These shows do not only deserve to be saved - they NEED to be.

Their cancellation represents a larger, unfortunate trend in animation in recent years - away from shows which are willing to treat younger audiences with a level of maturity and respect, away from shows which are not afraid to tell big stories, tackle tough issues, and confront their audience with difficult questions. What is the importance of freedom? What are consequences of giving up that freedom or having it taken from us? What is the cost of preserving it? When is that cost too high?

We do not know the answers to these questions, we don't pretend to know - but we the undersigned DO believe that the viewers and fans of Motorcity and Tron: Uprising deserve the chance to find out - to see the visions and stories of both shows be allowed to conclude on their own terms.

 We realize that, ultimately, the decision not to renew these shows was made because the executives at Disney did not feel that they were profitable enough to be worth the continued investment. We beg to differ.

The merchandise opportunities for both shows - toys, games, clothing, and so much more are immense and largely unexplored. Even now hundreds of people are purchasing episodes of both shows online and the official soundtrack for Tron: Uprising skyrocketed to Apple’s “Top 10 Soundtracks” list within hours of its release. Fans of both shows have long expressed a desire for more merchandise to buy. We are asking for a chance to pay for more of this kind of quality programming.

Thank you.

Tron Lives and Chilton Rides