Deadpool 3 has officially shut down production. The much-anticipated Marvel sequel has been filming for months, with Ryan Reynolds returning in the lead role. However, the Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) has officially called a strike, and that has forced the film to close up shop. It’s unclear how long filming will be halted, but the strike is not expected to be short.
The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) failed to come to terms on a new deal with SAG-AFTRA. As such, the organization called a strike, meaning no actors in the guild can work right now. Variety reports that Deadpool 3 had to shut down production as a result. The film is being directed by Shawn Levy (Free Guy), with Hugh Jackman returning as Wolverine.
The Writers Guild of America (WGA) has already been on strike for weeks. This is the first time both guilds have been on strike together since 1960. The guilds are at odds with the AMPTP over a number of issues. Among them are the use of AI in filmmaking, residuals from streaming, and fair compensation overall. The studios appear to be very far apart in terms of a deal. So this could stretch out for a while.
SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher had this to say about the strike:
“SAG-AFTRA negotiated in good faith and was eager to reach a deal that sufficiently addressed performer needs, but the AMPTP’s responses to the union’s most important proposals have been insulting and disrespectful of our massive contributions to this industry. The companies have refused to meaningfully engage on some topics and on others completely stonewalled us.
Until they do negotiate in good faith, we cannot begin to reach a deal. We have no choice but to move forward in unity, and on behalf of our membership, with a strike recommendation to our National Board. The board will discuss the issue this morning and will make its decision.”
Depending on how long the strike lasts, it could heavily impact 2024 and 2025. This movie had already been navigating around the writers strike. Marvel, in particular, has already had to delay its Phase 5 and Phase 6 movies several times. Odds are, the pair of strikes will almost certainly force the studio to delay things even further.
Deadpool 3 is currently set to hit theaters on May 3, 2024.
What do you think? Are you worried the movie will be delayed? Do you think the studios will drag out the strike? Join in on the conversation over on Facebook or Twitter!
