Several Hollywood movies have halted filming in recent days as a result of the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike. Marvel’s Deadpool 3, Ridley Scott’s Gladiator sequel, and Paramount’s Mission: Impossible 8 are some of the first major movies to be disrupted by the strike, which puts actors and writers on the picket line.
Before the strike, production on the upcoming Deadpool 3 was going swimmingly. This is demonstrated by the recent publication of behind-the-scenes photos of stars Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds dressed as Wolverine and Deadpool, respectively. In addition, it was confirmed that Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner would also appear in the film. Both are set to reprise their roles as Daredevil and Elektra from 2003’s “Daredevil”. However, production is not currently set to resume until the strike is concluded.
The halting of production on projects like Deadpool 3. Which managed to keep moving throughout the writer’s strike that started two months ago, exemplifies Hollywood’s current state of inactivity. In an email to employees on Thursday, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige and co-president Louis D’Esposito addressed the situation.
Feige and D’Esposito wrote. “We recognize how much you’ve all done on your specific projects, and it’s disappointing when carefully laid plans have to shift. But constant change is the nature of the production business, and our teams are no stranger to unexpected challenges and rising to meet them,” Adding “We deeply appreciate all your efforts to make the best of the situation, and we can all hope that a new agreement will be finalized soon so we can resume the great work we have in the process.”
The SAG-AFTRA union represents over 160,000 performers, including actors, hosts, announcers, stunt performers, broadcast journalists, and DJs. That want wage equity and better working conditions. These demands have arisen due to the rise of artificial intelligence and streaming platforms, which have transformed Hollywood.
As things now stand, studios can only develop what they have previously shot. While waiting for progress in negotiations, that will allow production to restart.