After the screenwriters, who have been on strike since May 2, 2023, the actors in Hollywood are now also on strike. For the first time since the 1960s, there is a double strike that will shake up the dream factory and also have a major impact on the public. Why is there a strike? What exactly does that mean? And which projects have already been affected? We explain it to you!
Why is Hollywood on strike?
Essentially, it’s about pay better. While most reports focus on the stars’ multimillion-dollar salaries, the SAG-AFTRA actors’ union represents some 160,000 actors and stunt people, many of whom are just making ends meet. We would like to elaborate on two key issues in the debate here:
A point of contention is the so-called residues. These are annual payments to the actors for, among other things, TV broadcasts and reruns of old films and series in which they act. You can summarize it this way: if the studio makes money again with an old project, those who were involved at the time should also learn something from it. However, in the streaming age, this line often runs empty. Residues here are often ridiculously low. Actors report a few hundred euros a year that they have received here so far.
Another big talking point is deal with AI. The Hollywood studios in particular want to get extensive rights here. The fear is great, especially for actors in small roles. If studios save performances and voices and have them replicated by an AI, they could become obsolete. Are they sent home after a day on set and the AI does the rest? Can they even be used for movies they’ve never been on set and paid for?
What are the stars no longer allowed to do?
An overview of all the activities that the stars and all other SAG members will no longer carry out shows just how much the strike has crippled Hollywood. Because this is much more than just that Making movies and series, i.e. being in front of the camera, which is of course forbidden. It’s also allowed no voice recordings are created – from synchro to dubbing of dialogues.
It’s possible no preparatory work for future productions are made – from the pure audition to costume rehearsals and make-up tests to devising stunts. It’s possible didn’t even negotiate future roles become.
Maybe you too no promotional work for existing or future films and series: not to give interviews, not to attend festivals or movie premieres, not to appear at fan conventions, not to appear on podcasts for movie promotions, or to post movie advertisements on social media. For example, the impending strike already ensured that the London premiere of “Oppenheimer” started an hour earlier – so that the stars could still stroll on the red carpet. During the screenings, Matt Damon, Robert Downey Jr., Florence Pugh and Co. disappeared. however quietly, quietly and secretly. Because now it was strike time.
Of course, actors may continue to appear in podcasts or social media posts – many do the latter to show their support for the strike. They just can’t do it in terms of their projects. Go on a podcast to talk about the strike or your favorite pet: no problem! Talk about your own career or your next movie in a podcast: Forbidden! Sharing lunch on social media: no problem! Share the trailer of the next movie on social media: Forbidden!
Which films and series are concerned?
Countless productions are affected. Listing them all would be impossible. Therefore we want to focus on a few prominent titles that you are particularly eagerly awaiting.
According to reports, the films and series included the following ongoing filming was immediately halted. They should resume as soon as the strike has started – although this is an organizational nightmare. Star and location schemes need to be reworked. In individual cases there may be cast changes because a star is no longer available, or script changes because one location can no longer be filmed. In most cases, the planned theatrical releases are likely to be postponed.
- “Bad Boys 4”
- “Beetle Juice 2”
- “Dead Pool 3”
- “Gladiators 2”
- “Converters”
- Mortal Kombat 2
- “The Sandman: Season 2”
The following movies and series that should start shooting soon, cannot be rotated for the time being. This is about finding new recording dates. The organizational nightmare with all possible consequences is comparable to the dropouts. Cinema releases are also likely to be postponed here
- “Mission: Impossible 8 – Dead Reckoning Part 2”
- “White Lotus: Season 3”
- “Emily in Paris: Season 4”
- “Alien” series
The series “Alien” may be a special case. The film would soon be shot in Thailand and numerous studios were rented in Bangkok. There are also many local actors who are not members of the American union. This is reported by the industry magazine It is currently conceivable that, despite the strike, you will already start shooting – and only film the scenes with non-union cast. But that would be inconvenient, as several key figures would then be unavailable.
The “Game Of Thrones” spin-off appears to be following a similar path “House of the Dragon“ to go. The majority of the cast consists of stars from Great Britain, who are not employed for shooting in their home country under the rules of the American Hollywood trade union SAG-AFTRA, but rather under those of the local trade union Equity. Due to the particularly strict and union-unfriendly rules on the island, they have to continue working. But the situation here is also very difficult.
At the fantasy contest of “Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power“ the problem does not (yet) occur. The filming for the second season had already been carried out here at increased speed in anticipation of a possible strike and could be completed on time. Depending on how long the strike lasts, it will still have an impact. Reshoots or such important dubbings are currently not possible.
Effects for us: less Hollywood cinema, less news
Depending on how long the strike lasts, there will also be very clear consequences for us moviegoers and even for us as a film site. Due to the double strike we are in the special situation that almost nothing works anymore. No new films and series can be developed for the distant future – because the authors are on strike. And no titles can be filmed for the foreseeable future – because the actors are on strike. And even the movies and series that are coming out now could not be promoted by the stars.
This should lead to many shifts. Some insiders are already fearing that the theatrical release calendars for the years 2024/2025 will contain significantly fewer Hollywood productions. An opportunity that maybe European cinema can use to fill the gaps.
However, there is also a problem when applying for future projects. It’s entirely possible that the studios are now withholding trailers and promo images – at least where possible. Because the stars are currently unable to use their social media reach to spread the word. Casting news should also become rarer for the time being. After all, this area is standing still.