Negotiations between SAG-AFTRA, the leading union of film, television, and radio performers in the United States, and the major studios and streaming platforms did not reach an agreement. A decisive 97.91% of SAG-AFTRA members voted to authorize a strike if talks continued to stall. The union represents roughly 160,000 workers, including not only actors but also radio and television reporters, hosts, announcers, singers, stunt performers, voice artists, and advertising talents. The Hollywood industry, which generates substantial revenue, risks a near standstill if talks fail to produce a settlement soon.
Without Euphoria by 2026
The strike would disrupt the film and television ecosystem profoundly, particularly because workers — including authors and performers — are pushing for better working conditions and safeguards against the impact of artificial intelligence. The walkout has already postponed productions and affected upcoming releases, from the fourth installment of a popular superhero franchise to the premiere of major streaming titles such as Euphoria season 3 and a new season of a hit comedy. The industry faces delays and potential reshuffling of release calendars as productions pause and resumes are uncertain.
Actors are seeking wage increases and stronger protections against AI usage in scripts and on set. There is concern that movies and series on streaming platforms could lose significant revenue if productions stall or marketing efforts are disrupted.
Farewell to red carpets… and farewell to festivals?
The strike would create a ripple of economic consequences across Hollywood, extending beyond production to promotional campaigns, red-carpet events, and festival appearances. Promotions for films and TV shows often rely on appearances by high-profile performers, interviews on late-night programs, and media signings. When casts step back, publicity calendars falter, and media coverage narrows. The timing could impact key events and festival lineups, potentially reducing media coverage and advertiser interest during peak seasons. Observers note that the industry could see a slowdown in press tours, premieres, and awards-season momentum as a result. These shifts would reverberate through broadcast schedules, scheduling conflicts, and audience anticipation. The situation could also accelerate a shift toward alternative promotional strategies as studios seek to preserve audience engagement during an industry-wide pause.
Hours after major award nominations are announced, decisions about coverage and premieres become vulnerable. An extended walkout could compress or alter the festival circuit, affecting events such as major international showcases. Without top-tier Hollywood stars on the red carpet, media photography and global interest may wane, altering the traditional promotional cadence that drives box office and streaming viewership. Analysts warn that the double disruption could lead to a tiered broadcast schedule with more repeats and a greater emphasis on reality programming during the hiatus.
Historical background
The prospect of an actor-led strike in 2023 marks a rare moment in the history of film and television, recalling the last prolonged action in 1980 and the first simultaneous walkout by actors and writers since 1960. Historically, major SAG-AFTRA work stoppages have stretched over months, and long-lasting joint actions have shaped negotiations and industry standards. The current context reflects ongoing tensions between performers’ demands for fair compensation, creative protections, and evolving industry practices in a rapidly changing media landscape.