The Hollywood actors’ union, SAG-AFTRA, recently called a strike, and in response, productions that were underway are now shutting down. Variety reports that filming on Deadpool 3 has stopped, marking one of the first high-profile productions to pause production for the strike. Other movies that have shut down production due to the strikes at SAG-AFTRA and WGA include Gladiator, Mission: Impossible 8, Venom 3, Bettlejuice 2, Mortal Kombat 2, and many more, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
The shutdown for Deadpool 3 specifically came not long after filming begun. A number of photos and video from set recently leaked, showing Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman suited up as Deadpool and Wolverine, respectively. It was also just recently announced that Jennifer Garner would return to play Elektra in the movie.
The SAG-AFTRA strike began July 13, and the union joins the writers’ union, WGA, in striking for better compensation and protections. A number of Hollywood productions shut down after the WGA strike because many have writers on set to script new lines as cameras roll. Deadpool 3 started filming during the WGA strike anyway, but is now shut down entirely.
SAG-AFTRA has more than 160,000 members, and it is expected that many other Hollywood productions will stop filming due to the combined WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes.
Deadpool 3 is supposed to hit theaters on May 3, 2024, but whether or not the film will stick to that date given the shutdown is unknown.
Here is a rundown of all the productions that THR said have paused due to the strikes:
- Deadpool 3
- Gladiator 2
- Lilo & Stitch
- Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part 2
- Venom 3
- Untitled F1 drama starring Brad Pitt
Some productions will continue. It was recently reported that filming on the Game of Thrones prequel House of the Dragon is continuing production on Season 2 because the cast is made up of many UK actors. They can keep shooting because they have contracts with a local union called Equity. Reportedly, Equity members are prohibited from joining the picket lines with SAG-AFTRA.
The SAG-AFTRA strike marks the first since 1980. It’s the first time since 1960 that both the WGA and SAG-AFTRA are striking at the same time.
Both unions are seeking better pay and protections against the rise of artificial intelligence, among many other things.
In response to the strikes, Disney CEO Bob Iger said writers and actors have unrealistic expectations, and his comments have been roundly criticized.
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