Update: 9.30am on Monday, 8 May
The effects are already being felt.
The Hollywood writers strike, organised by the Writers Guild of America, has officially begun this week. While the issue will hopefully be resolved with writers having their demands met, there's no way of knowing how long the strike will go on for.
With that in mind, it's clear to see that Hollywood is already feeling the effects, with several big shows shutting down in the middle of writing for new seasons. Let's take a look at the six biggest shows and one big movie affected by the writers strike so far.
Stranger Things
Last week, there were a number of rumours about the status of
Netflix's sci-fi behemoth after the strikes took place. Unfortunately, the rumours that the show might be affected by the ongoing strikes are indeed true, as creators the Duffer brothers have announced.
In a statement shared this week the creators confirmed that they have halted work on the final season of Stranger Things.
"Duffers here. Writing does not stop when filming begins. While we’re excited to start production with our amazing cast and crew, it is not possible during this strike. We hope a fair deal is reached soon so we can all get back to work. Until then -- over and out."
A huge loss for the streamer and an even bigger one for fans of the show, the 2024
Stranger Things release date is now in jeopardy.
https://twitter.com/strangerwriters/status/1654955071631765506
Yellowjackets
Returning to air recently for its second season, the
thriller series was renewed for a third season in December. However, just one day in, Yellowjackets ceased writing for the strike. Co-creator of the show Ashley Lyle tweeted: "It was amazing, and creatively invigorating, and so much fun, and I’m really excited to get back to it as soon as the WGA gets a fair deal."
https://twitter.com/ashannlyle/status/1653659054450028547
Big Mouth
A bit further along than the other shows on the list,
Netflix's longest-running show was six weeks into writing for its eighth and final season. Writing was planned to finish in August, however, with strike action now taking place it's unclear when it will pick up again.
Cobra Kai
Currently working on their sixth season, the writers for the martial arts Netflix hit have also finished up for the strike. Co-creator Jon Hurwitz tweeted: "We hate to strike, but if we must, we strike hard. Pencils down in the Cobra Kai writers room. No writers on set. These aren't fun times, but it's unfortunately necessary. The moment a fair deal is in place, we'll get back to kicking ass. In the meantime, sending strength and support to the negotiating committee. You got this."
https://twitter.com/jonhurwitz/status/1653392069665214467
Abbott Elementary
Writers for the third season of the Emmy-nominated show were supposed to start work on May 2, the day the strike started. Show writer Brittani Nichols revealed that the strike may have an on impact the number of episodes planned for the upcoming season.
“We are a show that writes while we air,” Nichols said told
Democracy Now. “If this strike goes on for a significant period of time, our show will not come out on time and that could change the amount of episodes which I’m sure people will be very upset about.”
Saturday Night Live
The most immediately impacted show on the list is the
long-running skit show. As writing turnaround is so quick (taking place during the week leading up to Saturday), the show has immediately finished up writing, with May 6's show - which featured Pete Davidson as a guest - no longer going ahead.
Other late-night shows like The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and Last Week Tonight with John Oliver are also immediately going dark, with re-runs being put in their stead for the time being.
Blade
On top of these series,
The Hollywood Reporter has stated that Marvel's upcoming
Blade film starring two-time Oscar-winner Mahershala Ali has shut down preproduction due to the strike.
Said to be the first tentpole movie affected by the strike, it was due to start filming next month.
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