Sony Pictures’ highly anticipated film “Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse,” has been removed from its upcoming release calendar due to the ongoing work stoppage related to the SAG-AFTRA strike, according to Variety.
‘Beyond the Spider-Verse’ to Receive New Release Date
This delay comes as the dual strikes of the Writers Guild of America and the Screen Actors Guild — American Federation of Television and Radio Artists continue to disrupt Hollywood. With this change, “Beyond the Spider-Verse” is now considered “undated;” the film was originally meant to open on March 29, 2024.
As a result of SAG-AFTRA’s work stoppage orders, the voice cast cannot record and complete their dialogue in time for the film to open next spring. According to Variety, who spoke with a source at Sony, a new release date for the film is expected in the coming weeks.
Other Sony films affected because of the strikes include “Kraven the Hunter,” starring Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and the planned sequel to “Ghostbusters: Afterlife.” Both have been pushed to 2024 release dates.
This is the first real major delay that comes as a result of the strikes since SAG-AFTRA began their work stoppage three weeks ago. The WGA has been on strike since May of this year. If an agreement cannot be made between the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) and the two unions, it is likely that more delays will follow.
“Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse” is set to be the final film in the trilogy, following “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” (2018) and “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” (2023).
SAG-AFTRA & WGA Strikes
The SAG-AFTRA strike officially began at midnight this morning, and will specifically impact those under the 2020 TV & Theatrical contract, meaning a few members will be exempt in areas such as interactive entertainment, audiobooks, and commercials, among others. SAG-AFTRA has not gone on strike against television and film companies for over four decades.
The Writers Guild of America (WGA) has been on strike for over two months after negotiations with various studios and streaming platforms regarding royalties and residual payments failed. Both writers and actors have not been striking together at the same time since 1960.
SAG-AFTRA is making demands similar to the WGA regarding streaming and restrictions on AI technology being used to replicate a performer’s likeness. The WGA previously said the current state of the industry was turning it into a “gig economy” that was detrimental to writers.
What do you think of this delay? Do you mind having to wait longer to see “Beyond the Spider-Verse“? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
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