This week, the Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) issued guidance to its 160,000 members, advising them to refrain from donning costumes representing characters affiliated with the studios currently embroiled in the strike. This prohibition encompasses a wide range, from Warner Bros' Barbie to Disney's Marvel superheroes and Netflix's Stranger Things.
In a post titled "Make Halloween a SCREAM with these SAG-AFTRA Strike-Friendly Tips & Tricks," members were encouraged to opt for costumes depicting more generalized characters and figures (e.g., ghosts, zombies, spiders, etc). Alternatively, they can still create costumes inspired by characters from animated TV shows, which do not fall under the purview of the ongoing strike.
The post conveyed a resolute message, urging members to collectively communicate to their striking employers that they won't endorse their content without a fair contract.
SAG-AFTRA members initiated the strike in July, seeking better terms related to compensation and the utilization of artificial intelligence. As the strike nears its 100th day, recent high-level negotiations broke down acrimoniously last week. This standoff follows the recent resolution of a separate strike by Hollywood writers, which persisted for nearly 150 days.
With Halloween now caught up in the ongoing dispute between actors and studios, Ryan Reynolds, known for his role as Deadpool, offered a lighthearted perspective. He quipped on social media, "I look forward to screaming 'scab' at my 8-year-old all night. She's not in the union, but she needs to learn." - REUTERS.
