William Shatner is out. Enterprise Brothers is out. Whereas the continued Writers Guild strike had meant that a lot of the massive studios had been pulling out of this yr’s SDCC, it was the SAG-AFTRA strike that ended any hopes of seeing nerdlebrities on the present. Whereas panels that includes animation and video video games – and a chat by Shatner – had been scheduled to occur, they’re now cancelled. As reported by THR, the entire premieres and panels that had been deliberate to go on with out writers can’t do it with out actors.
With actors now confirmed to be out for the depend, the conference’s lineup takes yet one more hit with a slew of beforehand introduced panels now canceled, together with Legendary, which was secretly planning to convey Dune: Half Two. Additionally canceled: panels for TV exhibits corresponding to Amazon’s Wheel of Time, Freevee’s Jury Responsibility and ABC’s Abbott Elementary.
This yr additionally marks the primary time since 2011 that a minimum of one of many two largest comic-to-film franchisees — Marvel and DC — gained’t be holding courtroom within the 6,500-capacity Corridor H.
“That is clearly an uncommon yr,” says Comedian-Con spokesperson David Glanzer. “However that hasn’t diminished the anticipation for Comedian-Con.”
Whereas the 4 and a half day con remains to be going to be jam filled with comics and e book creators, toy exclusives and cosplay, it is going to be lacking some acquainted faces. Members of SAG-AFTRA, the union that covers actors, together with voice actors, aren’t allowed to advertise work by struck firms – members of AMPTP, the Alliance of Movement Image and Tv Producers – and that features panels and different promotional occasions at Comedian-Con.
There was some confusion about whether or not this implies SAG members can nonetheless seem at conventions the place they signal autographs, however Fan Expo, and different celeb heavy occasions can relaxation simple: it seems that actors are nonetheless allowed to make private appearances.
The confusion stems from a memo quoted in Selection that lined forbidden actions:
● Promotion of/publicity providers for work below the TV/Theatrical Contracts, corresponding to:○ Excursions○ Private appearances○ Interviews○ Conventions○ Fan expos○ Festivals○ In your consideration occasions○ Panels○ Premieres/screenings○ Award exhibits○ Junkets○ Podcast appearances○ Social media○ Studio showcases
which does look ominous.
Nonetheless, the FAQ on the SAGAFTRASTRIKE.ORG web site has extra info:
Can I take part in conventions?
You can’t take part in conventions corresponding to Comedian-Con on behalf of, or to advertise, firms we’re putting towards – this consists of appearances, panels, fan meet and greets, and so forth. involving struck work. You could take part in a conference in methods which might be wholly impartial of characters from struck work or sponsorship by struck firms. In case you have any questions referring to this distinction, please contact [email protected].
This appears to depart the door open for showing as a visitor at a present the place actors are signing autographs, doing photo-ops and doing talks about their careers basically. Conference organizers have been making an attempt to clear the air on this, as with a tweet from Fan Expo Chicago:
This would possibly rule out occasions centered on particular exhibits like Star Trek and Vampire Diaries, like these placed on by Creation Con. Nonetheless, on the Creation Con website, they write:
NOTICE TO FANS: Regarding the SAG-AFTRA strike, Creation Leisure reside occasions/conventions will proceed as deliberate and don’t fall below strike restrictions. If there are any adjustments to the above, we’ll announce as we transfer ahead.
That is nonetheless a really fluid and unsure state of affairs, nonetheless, and simply the way it all performs out stays to be seen. Who is aware of, if this strike lingers (the WGA has been out for 2 months, and producers present no indicators of putting a deal any time quickly) even MORE performers could also be thronging to conventions as a strategy to make some cash.
A couple of SAG-AFTRA members should present up at Comedian-Con to advertise work that isn’t for struck firms. Jamie Lee Curtis remains to be scheduled to seem to advertise the Mom Nature graphic novel printed by Titan. However notice that the GN relies on a film, so maybe slightly gray space there. Artist Karl Stevens can be scheduled to attend, although, so that you gained’t go away empty handed. Curtis introduced her intention to attend on Instagram:
And simply perhaps, as within the olden days, some actors could present up simply because they like comedian books.
It’s very uncommon for SAG to strike. There was a 14 hour strike in 1988, a seven week strike towards commercials in 1978-79, and, famously, in 1960, each SAG-AFTRA and the WGA went on strike on the identical time. The SAG strike lasted six weeks, whereas the WGA strike dragged on for nearly six months. The problems at hand in 2023 are very severe – residuals, AI, and the fundamental financial system of creating a dwelling as an actor or a screenwriter. The watershed nature of those points is why AMPTP has held quick, even towards an actor’s strike that may successfully shut down your entire film/streaming trade at a time when it’s nonetheless discovering its publish COVID footing.
Whereas Comedian-Con will nonetheless be the colourful, exhausting spectacle we’ve come to know and love, the silent, empty cavern of Corridor H will nonetheless be a sign of simply how a lot is at stake in a battle that has no finish in sight.