“Deadpool 3” has stopped filming, just one of many Hollywood production shutdowns, as the SAG-AFTRA strike begins, Variety reports.
Deadpool 3 Stalls During SAG-AFTRA Strike
Just a few days ago, Ryan Reynolds shared an image of him as Deadpool and Hugh Jackman as Wolverine on set. Filming began in London back in the spring of this year. We also learned Jennifer Garner would reprise her role as Elektra from 2003’s “Daredevil” and 2005’s “Elektra.”
Though many film productions have been able to continue during the Writers Guild of America strike, the simultaneous actors’ strike will bring the industry to an almost absolute standstill. Filming for “Deadpool 3” and other projects could be paused for months, leading to more release dates getting delayed.
“Deadpool 3” was originally scheduled for a September 6, 2024 release. It was then pushed to November 8, 2024, but was optimistically moved up to May 3, 2024, as other Marvel films were delayed.
SAG-AFTRA Strike
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, audio books, and commercials, among others. SAG-AFTRA has not gone on strike against television and film companies for over four decades, and both writers and actors have not been striking together at the same time since 1960.
“Union members should withhold their labor until a fair contract can be achieved,” Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, national executive director and chief negotiator of SAG-AFTRA, said. “They have left us with no alternative.”
We are being victimized by a very greedy enterprise,” SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher said. “At some point you have to say ‘no, we’re not going to take this anymore. You people are crazy. What are you doing? Why are you doing this?’”
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.
The “Haunted Mansion” premiere planned for Disneyland Resort this weekend will still go forward but without the film’s actors, who will not be allowed to promote the film amidst the strike. The premiere may just be a fan event, or crew members such as director Justin Simien may appear. The event will take place on Saturday, July 15, at Hyperion Theater in Disney California Adventure. About 2,000 guests, including fans, are expected to attend. A pre-reception is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. and the movie screening will begin at 7:00 p.m. PT.
In an interview with CNBC, Disney CEO Bob Iger said the two strikes were “very disturbing” to him and the unions’ expectations were “not realistic.”
It will have a very, very damaging effect on the whole business, and unfortunately, there’s huge collateral damage in the industry to people who are supportive services, and I could go on and on. It will affect the economy of different regions, even, because of the sheer size of the business. It’s a shame, it is really a shame.
Deadpool 3
“Deadpool 3” will be the first of the series that is officially part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It will also be the MCU’s first R-rated film.
It was announced last fall that Hugh Jackman would return as Wolverine in “Deadpool 3.” Jackman had allegedly wrapped up his time as Wolverine after “Logan” in 2017.
In April, it was announced that Morena Baccarin and Stefan Kapicic will return as Vanessa and Colossus, respectively, in “Deadpool 3.” Ryan Reynolds also announced the returns of Karan Soni as Dopinder and Leslie Uggams as Blind Al.
Are you excited about this film, and disappointed to see its production halted? Let us know in the comments.
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