A number of your favourite TV shows and films could be thrown into chaos amid the Sag-Aftra strike.
The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, which represents 160,000 television and movie actors, has announced strike action after major studios failed to offer an adequate pay deal.
They join screenwriters who have been picketing for over 70 days. The aim of the discussions was to seek out a fairer split of streaming profits and a guarantee that artificial intelligence (AI) will not be used to replace duties performed by actors.
However, following 12 days of turbulent negotiations, an agreement on a new contract has not been reached, triggering a strike vote by the Sag-Aftra National Board on Thursday morning (July 13).
Following a vote leading to strike action, the union has directed all its members to immediately stop working on all scripted film and TV around the world.
As you can imagine, the entertainment industry is completely up in the air and actors could be prevented from promoting or even starting work on some of 2023 and 2024’s biggest releases.
Major international film festivals – such as Venice and Toronto – could be a lot quieter with red carpet activity and actor appearances in doubt as Hollywood’s top talent observe the strike action.
However, some productions will continue unhindered with Game Of Thrones spin-off House Of The Dragon causing controversy after announcing production will not stop on the second series of the show.
While the full impact of the actor’s strike is not yet known, these are the productions expected to be shut down and delayed during the action:
Avatar 3 and 4
James Cameron has promised Avatar 3 and 4 are in the works after the billion-dollar second instalment starring Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldana hit cinemas last year.
However, now it seems likely the films, with 2025 and 2029 release dates respectively, will be pushed back.
The films had already been delayed, with the fifth instalment not even due to be released this decade – and this could now be pushed back even further.
Gladiator 2
One of the largest films currently in production, it seems likely delays will hit the eagerly-anticipated Gladiator sequel that is due to be released on November 22, 2024.
Filming had begun in Morocco for the film, which will star the likes of Pedro Pascal, Paul Mescal, and Denzel Washington.
Wicked
Another huge production currently shooting in the UK is Universal and Jon M. Chu’s big-screen adaptation of Wicked.
Due for release on November 27, 2024, the film stars Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, and Michelle Yeoh.
Beetlejuice 2
Beetlejuice fans were left screaming with glee when it was announced the ghost with the most was getting a sequel.
Jenna Ortega was recently pictured filming in the US, and it has been confirmed Michael Keaton will return to the titular role with Tim Burton directing.
However, the film, set to be released in September 2024, might take longer to come back from the afterlife than we anticipated.
Deadpool 3
As a WGA member, Deadpool star Ryan Reynolds has only been able to act in the film until now, when he is also a credited writer.
With the latest strike news, we can assume production on the third film in the Marvel franchise will come to a halt as Reynolds and Wolverine star Hugh Jackman were recently spotted filming in England.
It had been set for release on May 3, 2024.
Mufasa: The Lion King
The Lion King spin-off Mufasa could be put on hold as a result of strike action.
Starring Aaron Pierre as the titular hero alongside the likes of Seth Rogen, Billy Eichner, and Kelvin Harrison Jr., the film is currently slated for release on July 5, 2024.
Whether that will now happen remains in the air.
Paddington in Peru
The third film in the Paddington franchise, Paddington In Peru, was due to begin production on July 24.
It seems that a delay in the production will be inevitable, with the picture starring acting heavyweights such as Antonio Banderas, Olivia Colman, Emily Mortimer, Rachel Zegler, and Ben Wishaw.
American Horror Story
Though production for the twelfth series of American Horror Story controversially went ahead despite the writers’ strike, it could be that the actors’ strike puts a stop to filming.
The series does not have a confirmed release date, though stars Emma Roberts and Cara Delevigne had been spotted filming for the popular Ryan Murphy horror show.
Kim Kardashian was also confirmed to be appearing in the upcoming season, which had fairly baffled fans.
Andor
The writer’s strike had already seen production on Andor come to a halt, with further delays expected due to the actor’s strike.
Fans are eagerly awaiting the second series of the Disney Plus Star Wars spin-off that stars Diego Luna, Kyle Soller, and Adria Arjona. The latest series was due to hit the streaming giant in August 2024.
Speaking to Deadline yesterday, the show’s creator Tony Gilroy criticized the AMPTP’s negotiations and said the WGA is ‘trying to preserve our industry.’
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