Things have been getting interesting with the SAG-AFTRA strike, and in some ways it’s been more engrossing than many of the movies and shows that have been put out the last few years.
There’s intrigue, unexpected plot twists, and even rules that don’t focus on the issues and were mocked, forcing them to be backtracked and clarified.
The whole thing started when SAG-AFTRA released rules about Halloween costumes for their striking actors. In short, they don’t think it’s appropriate for them to buy costumes of IPs (Intellectual Property) and stick to Public Domain costumes like vampires instead of Dracula and so on.
Instead, they explained that their actors should buy generic costumes that won’t give the studios anymore money. We can understand that and it makes sense. It’d make even more if the guild hadn’t made an extra demand out of their own greed when a deal was agreed upon, but such is life.
Things took a humorous turn when actors rightfully the new rules on social media. To be fair, this feels more like an overflowing of frustration at the guild more than anything, but it was enough to cause SAG-AFTRA to backtrack and clarify their statement.
I look forward to screaming “scab” at my 8 year old all night. She’s not in the union but she needs to learn
— Ryan Reynolds (@VancityReynolds) October 19, 2023
It’s not for kids
Ryan Reynolds of Deadpool fame took to X to share his thoughts:
“I look forward to screaming “scab” at my 8 year old all night. She’s not in the union but she needs to learn”
And the Hollywoodreporter.com shared that Mandy Moore shared her thoughts in her Instagram stories:
“Is this a joke? Come on @sagaftra. This is what’s important? We’re asking you to negotiate in good faith on our behalf. So many folks across every aspect of this industry have been sacrificing mightily for months. Get back to the table and get a fair deal so everyone can get back to work.”
The guild’s response wasn’t changing their rules, but clarifying they don’t apply to children. Once more, from the Hollywoodreporter.com linked above:
“SAG-AFTRA issued Halloween guidance in response to questions from content creators and members about how to support the strike during this festive season. This was meant to help them avoid promoting struck work, and it is the latest in a series of guidelines we have issued. It does not apply to anyone’s kids. We are on strike for important reasons, and have been for nearly 100 days. Our number one priority remains getting the studios back to the negotiating table so we can get a fair deal for our members, and finally put our industry back to work.”
In other words, the actors shouldn’t wear IP costumes because it’s handing money to the studios to send a message, but they can hand money to the studios for their children’s costumes.
All this while the guild tries to get the studios back to the negotiating table after the guild’s last minute self-aggrandizing greed submarined a deal that was agreed on that caused the studios to walk out of the talks.
Things are definitely going to get interesting with two of the most searched costumes being Barbie and Deadpool, and the fact Barbie was a doll before the movie.
What’s your take on the guild’s rule? Let us know in the comments below.
