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via Imago
Image credits: Imago
Hollywood is currently embroiled in a historic strike – and this time, it’s not just the writers but the actors as well who are taking a stand. Renowned Hollywood A-listers like Dwayne Johnson, Ryan Reynolds, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Meryl Streep have joined the ranks of the SAG-AFTRA strike. Among these stars stands MMA icon Michael Jai White and his wife Gillian, openly embracing the strike and highlighting the struggles of actors and writers for fair compensation.
The SAG-AFTRA strike has cast its shadow on major film productions, including the highly anticipated Avatar and Gladiator sequels, and the recently released Barbie and Oppenheimer. Even red-carpet premieres like Disney’s Haunted Mansion are expected to be impacted by this collective action. Prominent events like the Emmys and Comic-Con are also under consideration for rescheduling or potential downsizing. But what’s the strike about? Let’s find out!
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Turbulent Times for Hollywood Productions
This strike marks one of the industry’s most significant shutdowns in over six decades. It has brought a halt to approximately 160,000 performers in LA. Following the footsteps of the Writers Guild of America (WGA), the actors’ strike has effectively paused most of US film and TV productions.
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Amid this strike, actors are unable to take part in new films. They are also unable to promote the movies they’ve already worked on. Some major productions that could bear the brunt of the strike include Deadpool 3, featuring Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman, Tim Burton’s ‘Beetlejuice’ sequel, and the film adaptation of the musical ‘Wicked.’
To address concerns about the use of AI and digital likeness, the big studios have put forth a rather bizarre proposal. This proposal aims to safeguard actors’ digital personas and requires their consent for any digital replicas or alterations. However, the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers’ (AMPTP) offer has been rejected by the union.
Michael Jai White and Dwayne Johnson along with other Hollywood stars unite for a good cause
Dwayne Johnson’s notable 7-figure donation to the SAG-AFTRA Relief Fund was a headline-making act that kick-started the donation campaign. Building on this momentum, icons like Michael Jai White and his wife have also lent their support. Hollywood legends like George Clooney and Meryl Streep, along with Leonardo DiCaprio and Matt Damon, have made significant contributions as well.
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Both Meryl Streep and George Clooney, who have been long-standing supporters of the Foundation, stepped up with $1 million donations. They not only donated but also mobilized others through emails and call-to-actions, showing true leadership within the Actor’s Council.
“The entertainment industry is in a crisis. The SAG-AFTRA Foundation is currently processing more than 30 times our usual number of applications for emergency aid,” stated Courtney B. Vance, the SAG-AFTRA Foundation President.
In a remarkable display of unity, the fundraising efforts have surpassed expectations, amassing over $15 million in just three weeks. These funds will offer much-needed aid and hope to the countless actors facing financial challenges due to the ongoing strike.
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What do you think? Will this strike go on to keep Hollywood in shambles? Or will there be a mutual solution to the escalating situation? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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