Tron: Ares director Joachim Ronning revealed on Instagram that filming on the film has been suspended indefinitely due to a strike by writers and actors that resulted in 150 layoffs. Ronning urges AMPTP, WGA and SAG-AFTRA to speed up negotiations due to the impact on Tron: Ares production and the number of people who have lost their jobs. The future of Tron: Ares remains uncertain as the director stresses the need to address the ongoing strikes.
Director Joachim Ronning has spoken out about the current state of Tron: Ares, stating that 150 people have been laid off due to the indefinite postponing of filming. In the sequel to the 2010 film Tron: Legacy, Jared Leto plays the lead role of Ares. Filming was in full swing when Hollywood writers and actors went on strike.
Now, Ronning has revealed on Instagram that filming on Tron: Ares has been put on hold indefinitely due to ongoing writer and cast strikes.
Ronning also reports that 150 people who worked on the film were fired. Calls on AMPTP, WGA and SAG-AFTRA to expedite negotiations as production of Tron: Ares has been halted and many people have been laid off. Read the full post below:
“The best moments of my career were when I saw the actor perform in front of the camera, taking the scene and the text to a new level. I have been fortunate to collaborate with some amazing talent. That’s a big part of what makes me a director. However, like me, being an actor or screenwriter means being a freelancer. And I can tell you that constant uncertainty is not for everyone. So I don’t think it’s unreasonable to ask for a better security system.
Many of my best friends are screenwriters. Everything starts with history. Everything starts with you. This must go on. And this means that AI needs to be regulated. There is no doubt about the threats that technology poses to all creative insiders.
Today was supposed to be our first day of filming TRON: ARES (a film about AI and what it means and what it takes to be human). Instead, we are stuck with over 150 layoffs. This is an uncertain situation which makes it much more difficult for everyone.
AMPTP, SAG-AFTRA and WGA should speed up the negotiation process and not leave the table until it is completed. This is Hollywood. We make deals over breakfast. Why do we suddenly have all the time in the world when every day is so precious? This tactic is very disappointing. It’s time to find a diplomatic solution so we can get back to work on fair terms for all.”
How Writers’ and Actors’ Strikes Affect Hollywood Productions
It’s not just Tron: Ares that is shutting down production due to writers’ and actors’ strikes. The strike has affected the production of highly anticipated films such as Deadpool 3, Lilo & Stitch and series such as American Horror Story. Some completed films also suffered, with Disney delaying the release of Paupers starring Emma Stone due to the actors’ inability to promote the film during the strike.
However, what makes the production stoppage of Tron: Ares unique is Rönning’s recognition of the number of layoffs that occurred as a result of the strike. Obviously, without the actors and writers producing content for the AMPTP studios, a lot more of the behind-the-scenes team could have been fired. This highlights the importance of continued negotiations for both actors and writers who are fighting for fair contracts, and for crew members who are concerned about keeping their jobs.
It’s unclear how much the writers’ and actors’ strikes will affect the estimated release date for Tron: Ares. There is no official word on when it will be released, but rumor has it that it won’t be available to watch until 2025, regardless of the current state of filming. Despite the hurdles and hardships of layoffs, we hope that Tron: Ares will resume production once the strikes are over.
Source: Joachim Ronning/Instagram