Harrison Ford calls for 'greater justice' amid WGA writers strike as big-ticket productions stalled
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Harrison Ford's involvement in the 'Indiana Jones' franchise spans across five films, and fans are eagerly awaiting the release of the much-anticipated 'Dial of Destiny' on June 30. Speculation surrounds this upcoming installment, suggesting that it may serve as Ford's last portrayal of the iconic character, Indy. The anticipation and excitement surrounding Ford's role in the series have reached new heights as audiences prepare for what could be his final adventure as Indiana Jones.
The actor has been actively engaged in promotional activities and interviews leading up to the release of the film. During a recent interview with Variety, Ford talked about the current writers' strike in Hollywood. He was questioned about the significance of a screenplay in determining a movie's success and whether he believed that Hollywood writers deserved improved treatment from studios, to which he responded, "There needs to be greater justice throughout our society, both economic justice and every other form of it."
'We’re gonna suffer from not having a script'
The seasoned actor contined, " And where things are out of balance, as long as there’s enough information to make appropriate choices, and there’s some room for settlement… I mean, enough information to be able to talk in a language that’s appropriate about what’s really going on. You know, we’re gonna suffer from not having a script. And it’s an economic situation: We don’t have a script here, and we’re going to war over it… over the movie. But we got to work together in all the crafts that make movies; just support each other when we can — and we should."
The ongoing labor dispute, known as the 2023 Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike, involves the WGA representing approximately 11,500 screenwriters and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). The strike began on May 2, 2023, impacting over 35 Hollywood productions since then. The strike has resulted in paused writers' rooms, halted productions, and picketers disrupting filming, putting pressure on studios to address the issues raised by the writers' strike.
What shows and movies have the WGA strike affected?
Movies
Good Fortune (Lionsgate)
The production of Aziz Ansari's feature directorial debut 'Good fortune' has been suspended indefinitely due to the involvement of WGA protestors. The picketers had already interrupted filming on two occasions, leading Lionsgate to make the decision to pause the production mid-filming. The movie, which is being filmed on location in Los Angeles, features stars Seth Rogen and Keanu Reeves.
Blade (Marvel Studios)
Marvel is facing significant challenges as a result of the ongoing WGA strike. The pre-production of the new 'Blade' film, which was gaining momentum with the involvement of a new writer, has been halted. The movie was originally scheduled to begin filming next month, but the delay in completing the script has led to the shutdown of pre-production activities.
Thunderbolts (Marvel Studios)
Production on the new Marvel movie 'Thunderbolts' in Atlanta has come to a halt as of May 26. This movie joins 'Blade' in awaiting the resolution of the WGA strike. 'Thunderbolts' features a team of Marvel superheroes who are separate from the Avengers and includes actors Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova, Sebastian Stan as the Winter Soldier, David Harbour as Red Guardian, and Wyatt Russell as John Walker/Captain America/US Agent.
It Ends Wih Us (Sony)
The production of 'It Ends with Us', featuring Blake Lively and directed by Justin Baldoni, has been temporarily halted until the conclusion of the writers' strike. The shutdown occurred following picketing by WGA members and a determination by the WGA that the film's co-financing arrangement was sufficient to allow production to continue, despite the film being associated with Sony Pictures, a member of the AMPTP.
The Island (Indie)
The production of the independent film 'The Island', directed by Paweł Pawlikowski and filming in Spain, has been halted. This serves as an example of independent films facing challenges in obtaining insurance coverage amid the ongoing writers' strike and the potential SAG-AFTRA strike. It is anticipated that other independent productions will also be affected and may experience similar disruptions.
TV and streaming
Abbott Elementary (ABC)
Due to the WGA strike, the writers' room for ABC's popular comedy series 'Abbott Elementary' has been shut down. The show was originally scheduled to commence its writing process on May 2, coinciding with the start of the strike.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (Amazon Prime)
Despite the ongoing WGA strike, production for 'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power' is continuing with only two weeks of filming remaining. However, the absence of the showrunners on set due to the strike may potentially affect the creative direction and overall continuity of the show.
On Call (Amazon Prime)
Production for the new series 'On Call' from producer Dick Wolf, which centers around a veteran female training officer and her rookie ride-along in Long Beach, has been halted due to picketing caused by the ongoing writers' strike.
Blade Runner 2099 (Amazon Prime)
Due to the ongoing writers' strike, filming for the new series 'Blade Runner 2099' has been postponed for up to a year. "Northern Ireland Screen confirmed Blade Runner 2099 has been delayed. Northern Ireland Screen is extremely disappointed that Blade Runner 2099 is not going ahead at this time due to the ongoing writers’ strike," they said, per Deadline.
Etoile (Amazon Prime)
Production for the new show 'Etoile' created by Amy Sherman-Palladino and Daniel Palladino, the creators of 'The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel', has been suspended in Paris due to the ongoing writers' strike. The show, which has a two-season order from Amazon Prime Video, was originally set to begin production in June but will now be halted until after the strike concludes.