Tron 3 Director Lashes Out After Sequel Gets Awful Setback
Tron 3 director Joachim Rønning has expressed a considerable amount of frustration over the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Though principal photography for Tron 3 was supposed to start this week, the ongoing strike has halted production, leading to the layoff of 150 crew members. Rønning understands the inherent need for an agreeable resolution to be made in regard to the strike, but did not parse his words when he suggested that all parties involved need to speed up the negotiation process, and resolve the matter sooner rather than later.
Elaborating on this sentiment, the Tron 3 director extended an olive branch, stating that he doesn’t think it’s “unreasonable to ask for a better safety net.” But in the same Instagram post, Rønning stresses the need for diplomacy, and soon, so everybody could get back to work. One of the unintended consequences of a two-front (WGA, SAG-AFTRA) strike is that crew members who are not involved in the negotiations are also losing out on work.
The irony that can’t be overlooked is the fact that Tron 3‘s plot is very much about the damages that AI can cause to society.
In other words, even though the Tron 3 crew members aren’t currently negotiating their own IATSE contracts, the ongoing strike is halting the entire filmmaking industry, causing a ripple effect that’s putting their financial safety in jeopardy. And we can expect to see more of the same as productions continue to halt.
The irony that can’t be overlooked is the fact that Tron 3‘s plot is very much about the damages that AI can cause to society. One of the primary points of contention during the ongoing strike is that the use of AI is undermining the work of writers, and in some cases, the likeness of actors through the use of deepfake technology.
Twin Hollywood Strikes
As the striking unions continue to fight for better working conditions, compensation, and benefits, the unfortunate reality is that set designers, editors, and costume departments, among many other industry workers, face unemployment.
Rønning went on to say that “it’s time for diplomacy so we can get back to work.” Though it’s evident that he very much wants the strike to end so he could continue working on Tron 3, he’s worried that the longer the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strike goes on, the harder it will be to come to a reasonable resolution.
Given that the current shutdown is indefinite, he’s right to be worried about the welfare of his crew, who will probably have to find other ways to support themselves during the shutdown.
“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.”
Joachim Rønning
For the time being, the future of Tron 3 is uncertain until the strike comes to an end, and everybody gets back to work.
This tertiary installment of the film franchise will introduce Jared Leto into the franchise with his portrayal of Ares, a computer program that becomes sentient, and gets introduced to the human world. Evan Peters, Jodie Turner-Smith, Greta Lee, and Cameron Monaghan will star alongside Leto in the upcoming film. At the time of this writing, it’s unclear whether Jeff Bridges, who starred in the first two films, will be cast in Tron 3.
Hopefully, in the very near future, an agreement can be made that is not only fair to the striking WGA and SAG-AFTRA members but also gets production for upcoming movies and series back on track.
