Triple strike cripples Hollywood; Gladiator 2, Mortal Kombat 2, White Lotus 3 on hold

As a historic dual strike by the WGA (Writers Guild of America) and SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists), last endured in 1960, gets ready to bring the global film and TV industry to its knees, the worst-case scenario many have dreaded for months is fast becoming a crushing reality, Variety reports.
Talks between the US actors’ union and Hollywood’s collective bargaining agent, the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, broke down on Wednesday after a turbulent 12-day period of extended negotiations.
At midnight (US Pacific Time), both sides concluded talks without reaching an agreement, thus triggering a strike vote by the SAG-AFTRA National Board for Thursday morning.
A strike is expected to be called, and the union will direct its 160,000 members to immediately stop all scripted film and TV work around the world. Major international shoots set to pause production due to the actors strike include the Paul Mescal and Pedro Pascal-starring Gladiator 2 movie, which was filming in Morocco, and martial arts sequel Mortal Kombat 2, which was filming in Australia, Variety notes.
In recent weeks, according to ‘Variety’, international productions led by SAG-AFTRA talent have worked furiously to wrap filming ahead of a potential strike. (IANS)