Though many sets had already shut down as a result of the WGA writer’s strike, the actor’s strike has now caused basically every other major Hollywood production around the globe to shutter.
Confirmed shutdowns at this time include “Mortal Kombat 2” which was shooting in Australia, Clint Eastwood’s “Juror #2” which was shooting in Georgia, the Brad Pitt-led F1 racing movie, “Gladiator 2” which is two-thirds done and was shooting in Morocco, and “Deadpool 3” which had been filming in the UK.
Also hitting the brakes are “Venom 3,” the live-action “Lilo & Stitch” which was only a month away from completion, “Beetlejuice 2” which was almost finished filming in the UK, the “Minecraft” movie which was to begin filming next month in New Zealand, and “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part Two” which has shot most of its major action sequences.
Marvel chief Kevin Feige and co-president Louis D’Esposito contacted employees yesterday, saying they “deeply appreciate all your efforts to make the best of the situation”. They add they hope “that a new agreement will be finalized soon so we can resume the great work we have in process.”
Local productions in multiple international markets are reportedly unaffected due to existing contractual agreements, so numerous shows in the UK and Australia can continue filming.
The most immediate impact of the strike will be felt in the late Summer/Fall film releases and events. Panels are already being cancelled for next week’s San Diego Comic-Con as actors cannot promote their current or future projects, that includes a ‘surprise’ panel Legendary had scheduled for “Dune: Part Two”.
The Fall film festival circuit is also looking in serious trouble with plans for screenings at the Venice, Telluride, Toronto and New York film festivals now in jeopardy as studios aren’t likely to spend on launching a film at a festival without stars walking the red carpet.
