LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Hollywood actors have been on strike for a week after negotiations with studios failed to reach an agreement about greater pay and measures to prevent improper use of their images by artificial intelligence (AI). According to actress Zoe Saldana, the continuous strike action has sparked fears in Hollywood.
SAG-AFTRA members joined WGA members in support of demands for greater compensation, improved working conditions and residuals from streaming platform revenues. Several Hollywood actors, including Jason Sudeikis, Susan Sarandon, Mandy Moore and Bob Odenkirk, have joined the picket lines to support the SAG-AFTRA strike. Odenkirk believed that actors should not request exemptions to the SAG-AFTRA to promote their movies, as 'Mission: Impossible' star Tom Cruise allegedly did so earlier this week. During a protest outside Paramount Studios on July 19, the 'Better Call Saul' actor stated that he strongly opposed requesting waivers to continue working on promotions during the strike.
Has the SAG-AFTRA strike impacted Zoe Saldana's 'Special Ops: Lioness'?
Due to the SAG-AFTRA strike, the red carpet premiere of the series, 'Special Ops: Lioness', starring Saldana, was postponed. The TV show will be available on Paramount+. "In light of today’s news of an official SAG strike, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the red carpet premiere of Special Ops: Lioness, planned for Tuesday, July 18," read a statement from the streamer, per Deadline.
The statement continued, "We recognize this is disappointing news and apologize for any inconvenience it causes. We are very excited to celebrate the series and can’t wait for it to debut to Paramount+ audiences on July 23rd." Saldana plays Joe in Taylor Sheridan's drama series, which follows her as she juggles work and home life while serving as the CIA's spearhead in the fight against terrorism.
One of the first significant events to be postponed due to the SAG-AFTRA strike was 'Special Ops: Lioness,' with the actors taking to the picket lines. Before the organization called a strike, the cast of 'Oppenheimer' attended the London premiere of the film and walked out abruptly to stand in solidarity with the organization and people.
Zoe Saldana fears for those working for their families
In response to the SAG-AFTRA strike, Saldana told Sky News that there was fear and doubt in the industry. She also expressed concern for performers who must work "for their families, and have to pay their mortgages."
The actress, best known for her roles as Neytiri in 'Avatar' and Uhura in 'Star Trek', said on the 'Backstage' podcast, "At the end of the day, I don't believe that organizations would be striking if they felt that there was a fairness in the game of the business that they're in. I hope that everybody comes together and reaches resolutions that seem fair for all parties involved because at the end of the day, 80% of the members of our union live day-to-day, live pay-cheque to pay-cheque, and they can't really afford to sustain a strike... so that's where my heart is."
Saldana stated that it was essential to express solidarity even though her position ensured she would not face financial hardship during the strike. She continued, "It doesn't mean that I should not be an active member of my organization," expressing her hope for a speedy settlement.
Given that production has stopped on a number of movies and TV shows, the SAG-AFTRA strike is expected to have a significant impact outside of Los Angeles. Around 15,000 writers of the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and around 160,000 SAG-AFTRA members are on strike.
