SAG-AFTRA Strike Halts Production of Major Films, Including ‘Deadpool 3’ and ‘Mission: Impossible 8’
In a significant development for Hollywood, SAG-AFTRA has announced its first film and television strike since 1980, suspending numerous productions. While the ongoing WGA strike has already impacted TV shows, this work stoppage by actors will bring Hollywood to a complete standstill. Several high-profile movies, including Marvel sequels and popular franchises, were still in production at the time of the strike, leading to uncertainties regarding their release dates. Let’s take a look at all the affected movies:
- Deadpool 3 (Marvel Studios)
Ryan Reynolds thrilled fans with a first glimpse of Hugh Jackman in his iconic Wolverine suit. Unfortunately, production for the highly anticipated third installment of “Deadpool” has stopped. The superhero film had several weeks of filming, with an initial wrap-up date set for September.
- Beetlejuice 2 (Warner Bros. Discovery)
The eagerly awaited sequel featuring Michael Keaton and Jenna Ortega had completed its UK portion of the production. However, the strike will affect the remaining display in the United States.
- Juror No. 2 (Warner Bros. Discovery)
Nicholas Hoult and Toni Collette star in this legal drama directed by Clint Eastwood, revolving around a juror who suspects he may have caused the victim’s death.
- Gladiator 2 (Paramount)
Paul Mescal, known for his role in “Aftersun,” leads the cast in the “Gladiator” sequel directed by Sir Ridley Scott. Production in Malta has been paused due to the strike. The film also features Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal, and Connie Nielsen.
- The Amateur (20th Century Studios)
Rami Malek stars in this thrilling 20th Century Studios film about a CIA cryptographer who loses his wife in a London terrorist attack. After being denied direct action by his superiors, he coerces the agency into training him, taking matters into his own hands. Production in the UK is currently on hold.
- Wicked Part 1 (Universal)
John M. Chu directs the film adaptation of the Broadway musical, with Ariana Grande portraying Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba. Scheduled for a Christmas release next year, production will resume once the strike is resolved.
- Twisters (Universal)
Actress Daisy Edgar-Jones from “Where the Crawdads Sing” stars in the sequel to 1996’s “Twister,” focusing on storm chasers. Production will resume after the storm caused by the WGA and SAG strikes has passed.
- The Killer (Universal)
Nathalie Emmanuel, renowned for her roles in the “Fast & Furious” franchise and HBO’s “Game Of Thrones,” stars in John Woo’s reimagining of his 1989 film “The Killer” for Universal Pictures. “The Killer” is one of three upcoming original films from Universal Pictures, set to premiere on Peacock this year.
- Untitled Monster Movie Directed by Radio Silence (Universal)
Following the successful revival of the “Scream” series at Paramount, the horror movie team at Radio Silence has signed on to direct and produce a new horror film for Universal. However, production will pause due to the SAG-AFTRA strike.
- It Ends With Us (Sony)
The film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s novel, starring Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, had previously halted production during the WGA writers’ strike.
- Bad Boys 4 (Sony)
The fourth installment of the “Bad Boys” franchise, featuring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, was nearing the end of principal photography when the SAG strike authorization was announced.
- Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning Part 2 (Paramount)
The eighth and final installment of the Tom Cruise-led mega-franchise was scheduled to begin production after the promotional period for “Mission 7.” However, due to the ongoing labor dispute between the AMPTP and Hollywood guilds, bridging the gap seems impossible, even for Ethan Hunt.
The SAG-AFTRA strike has undeniably impacted the film industry, causing delays in production and uncertain release dates for these highly anticipated movies. Fans and industry professionals eagerly await a resolution to the labor dispute, hoping for a swift return to normalcy in Hollywood.
