Hollywood’s actors will go on strike, joining writers in the first industry-wide shutdown in 63 years.

While the impact of the writers’ strike has already been substantial, affecting film and TV production as well as events like awards shows and publicity functions, an actors’ strike would be even more significant.

This is primarily due to Sag-Aftra’s global influence: any production featuring a Hollywood actor would likely be forced to shut down or undergo extensive rescheduling as soon as a strike is declared.

The writers’ strike has resulted in the suspension of the majority of scripted TV shows in the US, as picket lines have effectively halted production activities.

Notable series such as The Last of Us, Blade Runner 2099, and The Mandalorian have already experienced delays. Furthermore, upcoming projects like the Spider-Man: No Way Home sequel and Disney’s Blade remake have been put on hold as scripts remain unfinished. Release dates for other productions, including Thunderbolts and Captain America: Brave New World, have been pushed back.

However, if US actors withdraw their participation, even productions with completed scripts will be unable to proceed, whether in the US, Europe, or elsewhere. TV shows like House of the Dragon, Andor, and Industry are expected to be affected, and the second season of Sharon Horgan’s Bad Sisters will likely face delays in commencing shooting. Even Doctor Who, which is now produced in collaboration with Disney+ streaming service, is at risk of being impacted by the strike.

Studio film productions, which typically have longer and more intricate schedules, will experience long-term consequences if filming isn’t completed on time. Noteworthy ongoing productions include Gladiator 2, directed by Ridley Scott and starring Paul Mescal, scheduled to shoot in Malta, Morocco, and the UK from June to October. Additionally, Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part Two, the sequel to Tom Cruise’s blockbuster, was set to finish filming this summer following promotional obligations for Part One.

Reports suggest that other studio productions, such as the fourth Bad Boys film, Beetlejuice 2, and the untitled Ghostbusters: Afterlife sequel, have completed filming. The second season of Amazon’s TV series The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power is also wrapped up.

Independent films

The situation becomes more complex for low-budget and independent films, as they may be able to seek waivers from Sag-Aftra to continue production. However, the uncertainty surrounding work permissions and crossing picket lines has led to significant financial instability in an already precarious industry. Even with a waiver and a finished script, productions cannot rely on crucial crew members’ participation since transportation union Teamsters and technicians’ union Iatse mostly refuse to cross the writers’ union picket lines.

Outside the realm of filmmaking, other high-profile events will likely be affected or canceled if the actors’ union declares a strike.

The London premiere of Christopher Nolan’s atom-bomb drama Oppenheimer has been rescheduled to allow the cast’s attendance.

Furthermore, the widely attended Comic-Con event in San Diego, scheduled for July 20-23, will likely face significant setbacks. Late summer releases like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, Haunted Mansion, and Blue Beetle are also expected to curtail promotional activities. Major international film festivals like Venice and Toronto, held in late August and early September, should still be able to screen available films, but the participation of actors and red carpet events is now uncertain.