Over the past few months, there’s been a trickle of new details regarding a third instalment of Tron. That’s all come to a sudden stop with the announcement that Tron: Ares has been delayed indefinitely. It is another film affected by the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strikes engulfing America’s movie industry.
The announcement came from Tron: Ares director Joachim Rønning (Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, Maleficent: Mistress of Evil) via his Instagram. Clearly frustrated by the ongoing impasse, Rønning revealed that production was due to begin this week but instead, they’ve had to lay off 150 crew members.
Tron: Ares delayed statement
Here’s Rønning’s statement in full:
“The absolute best moments of my career have been watching an actor perform in front of the camera – taking the scene and the text to a higher place. I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with amazing talent. It’s a huge part of why I’m a filmmaker. However, like myself, being an actor or a writer, means you’re a freelancer. And I can tell you, the constant uncertainty is not for everyone. To that end I don’t think it’s unreasonable to ask for a better safety net.
“Many of my best friends are writers. Everything starts with the story. Everything starts with you. That must continue. And that means that AI needs to be regulated. There is no doubt about the threat the technology poses to all creatives.
“Today was supposed to be our first day of principal photography on TRON: ARES (a movie subsequently about AI and what it means, and takes, to be human). Instead, we are shut down with over a hundred and fifty people laid off. It’s indefinite, which makes it exponentially harder for everyone.
“The AMPTP, SAG-AFTRA and WGA need to not leave the table until it’s done. This is Hollywood. We close deals for breakfast. Why do we suddenly have all the time in the world when every day is so precious? These tactics are extremely frustrating. It’s time for diplomacy so we can get back to work – under conditions that are fair to everybody.”
All-star cast
Jared Leto stars as the titular ‘Ares’, the AI character determined to cross over into the human world. The cast also includes Star Wars Jedi: Survivor actor Cameron Monaghan, Yellowjackets star Sarah Desjardins, Greta Lee (Spider-man: Across the Spider-Verse), Evan Peters and Jodie Turner-Smith. There’s been no indication just yet if Tron series veteran Jeff Bridges will make an appearance.
Are you a Tron fan? What do you think of the ongoing strikes? Let us know in the comments below.
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