Filming on "Deadpool 3" has been halted as the SAG-AFTRA strike begins, with actors joining WGA members on the picket lines. One of the first significant productions to be hit by the impending strike is the Marvel sequel.
Pritish Bagdi
Only a few days prior to the announcement of the production halt, "Deadpool 3" gave viewers their first glimpse of the set by publishing a snapshot of its stars Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman dressed as Deadpool and Wolverine, respectively. Also recently announced was Jennifer Garner's participation in the movie as Elektra. She previously played the character in the 2003 blockbuster "Daredevil" and the 2005 spinoff movie "Elektra."
Reynolds and "Free Guy" director Shawn Levy collaborate once more on "Deadpool 3". The movie marks the Walt Disney Company's first release in a new series following the studio's 2019 acquisition of 21st Century Fox. The May 3, 2024, theatrical release date for the threequel has been set as a goalpost, but it is currently in doubt as a result of the production freeze.
Television shows like "Saturday Night Live" on NBC and late-night talk shows were among the first to stop airing after the WGA adopted a strike order in May. Through the writers' strike, "Deadpool 3" was able to continue production in recent weeks. The unexpected halt in production portends the impending industry-wide stagnation brought on by screen actors on picket lines.
Around 160,000 performers, including actors, announcers, hosts, DJs, stunt performers, and broadcast journalists, are covered by the SAG-AFTRA union, and they are all fighting for better pay and working conditions in the ever-evolving Hollywood landscape that streaming services and artificial intelligence have altered. After a 12-day extension period, SAG negotiations came to a close on July 12 at midnight PT. Contracts were originally due to expire on June 30.
What is SAG-AFTRA strike?
The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has gone on strike after talks with studios broke down. SAG-AFTRA includes 160,000 actors and this marks their first industry-wide shutdown in over 60 years.