The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has recommended a strike after contract negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) failed to reach a deal. An actors’ strike could begin as early as today.
If the actors join the writers, who have been on strike since May 2nd, it would have an even more significant impact on the entertainment industry, including Disney.
The LA styrofoam and cardboard industry is about to have an even busier summer. Let’s do this thing. #SAGAFTRAstrong pic.twitter.com/hDjSelilyU
— Josh Gad (@joshgad) July 13, 2023
Why Are Actors Striking?
At stake for actors is how much they get paid in an industry dominated by streaming services and how artificial intelligence (AI) is used in Hollywood. Bottom line: They want more money, regulated use of AI, and compensation based on how well their shows and movies perform on streaming services.
so here’s to the strike. may it prove our point. and may it be a short time without work. many people’s livelihoods count on coming into work everyday. beyond passion. but necessity.
— rachel zegler (she/her/hers) (@rachelzegler) July 13, 2023
You know how they de-aged Harrison Ford in the new Indiana Jones movie? Well, if you are an up-and-coming actor, the producers want to put a clause in your contract that says that they can use your voice and image (aged or de-aged) in as many future movies as they want without… pic.twitter.com/nFkQQdE6D7
— Larry Zerner (@Zernerlaw) July 13, 2023
Here’s What Actors Can’t Do While on Strike:
- Actors can’t do any work while on strike, which means no filming on new movies and TV shows
- Actors can’t audition for future projects
- Actors can’t promote projects completed under the expired contract at conventions, premieres, or on social media (that means Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling are off the press trail for “Barbie”)
- Actors can’t give new magazine interviews or go on “Good Morning America” and “The View” to discuss new movies.
How Will an Actors’ Strike Impact Disney Fans?
Disney CEO Bob Iger made a statement on the SAG-AFTRA strike today in which he said that he understands the desire of SAG-AFTRA to get the best possible deal for its members but believes the strike would delay or cancel productions and could mean fans would have to wait longer for new movies and TV shows – or might not be able to watch some of their favorite shows or movies at all.
Although it’s still too early to say for sure what the impact of a SAG-AFTRA strike would be, Disney is a major producer of film, television, and streaming content, and a strike would likely mean production on upcoming projects would be delayed or possibly even halted. A strike could also affect streaming services, including Disney+, making some shows and movies unavailable to stream.
Here are some specific examples of how a SAG-AFTRA strike could impact Disney fans:
- New episodes of Disney+ shows might be delayed or canceled, including “Daredevil: Born Again” (scheduled for spring 2024), “Star Wars: Andor” Season 2 (scheduled for August 2024), “Marvel’s What If…” Season 2 (scheduled for 2024), “Spider-Man: Freshman Year” (scheduled for 2024), and “Star Wars: The Bad Batch” Season 3 (scheduled for 2024)
- New Disney movies might be delayed or postponed, including the live-action “Snow White” (scheduled for March 2024), “Deadpool 3” (scheduled for May 2024), “Inside Out 2” (scheduled for June 2024), and “Captain America: Brave New World” (scheduled for July 2024)
- Some Disney content (both old and new) might be unavailable on streaming services.
It’s important to note that these are just a few examples of how a SAG-AFTRA strike could affect Disney fans. The actual impact of a strike would depend on many factors, including the length of the strike and the specific terms of the contract that is eventually negotiated.
Haunted Mansion Hiccup
We’ll keep an eye on the situation and the fallout. One of the first things Disney fans may notice being changed are the plans for the Haunted Mansion movie premiere scheduled for Disney California Adventure’s Hyperion Theater this Saturday (July 15th). Instead of an audience filled with celebrities and actors from the film, it’s likely that there will be no stars for the film on the red carpet. But without the actors to help promote the film, could it negatively impact the film’s box office? We’ll have to wait and see.
Let’s Hear From You!
How do you feel about the actors joining the writers on the picket lines? What future Disney projects are you most concerned about being delayed or canceled? Let us know in the comments below.