‘Tron: Ares’ Production Delayed As Director Pleads For Strike Resolution: “This Is Hollywood. We Close Deals For Breakfast.”

It already took decades for a sequel to 1982’s “Tron” to arrive, but that eventually happened with 2010’s “Tron: Legacy.” Now, we’ve waited more than a decade for a third film, “Tron: Ares,” to arrive. And it appears that film is going to be delayed even more, but this time it’s not for any creative issues. Instead, it’s the ongoing WGA and SAG strikes, which have delayed the start of ‘Ares’ production, and the filmmaker behind the new sequel is voicing his frustration.

READ MORE: ‘Tron: Ares’: Jodie Turner-Smith The Latest To Join Jared Leto In Upcoming Sequel

In a recent post on Instagram, filmmaker Joachim Rønning has revealed that production on “Tron: Ares” was supposed to kick off today. Unfortunately, due to the ongoing strikes, that isn’t happening, and thus, the future of the sequel is still up in the air. While the director understands the reasons for the strike, it’s clear he’s frustrated that this film is in limbo as studios and guilds figure out some sort of resolution.

“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),” wrote Rønning. “Instead, we are shut down with over a hundred and fifty people laid off. It’s indefinite, which makes it exponentially harder for everyone.”

He continued, “The AMPTP, SAG-AFTRA and WGA need to speed up the negotiating process and 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.”

While it may seem like Rønning is venting frustrations aimed at both sides of the strike, it’s clear the filmmaker is supportive of both the writers and actors earning a fair wage and protections.

“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,” the director said. “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.”

He added, “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.”

Obviously, we can only assume that production on ‘Ares’ will begin as soon as deals are in place. The film is one of the major productions that have been affected by the strikes. “Tron: Ares” is set to star Jared Leto, Evan Peters, Jodie Turner-Smith, Greta Lee, and Cameron Monaghan. Plot details are being kept under wraps.

You can see his Instagram post below: