Is Matt Walsh OK? 'Veep' actor speculated to quit 'DWTS' Season 32 amid WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'Veep' actor Matt Walsh is doing fine but he is speculated to be in a dilemma when it comes to his acting work.
According to many, the actor is "in a really tough bind" and may quit 'Dancing with the Stars' Season 32 ahead of the release due to the show's association with the WGA amid the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes.
Matt, who is a member of SAG (Special Action Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) and WGA (Writer's Guild of America) has allegedly been stuck between the choice of appearing in the reality show and supporting the WGA strike.
As the cast of 'DWTS' Season 32 was announced, a user began a Reddit thread to share their thoughts. Making speculation about the future, the user started a thread with the title, "Prediction: Matt Walsh is going to drop out in solidarity with the WGA."
In the post, the user wrote, "To my surprise DWTS falls under WGA contract and is therefore “struck” under the current WGA strike."
They further explained, "Matt Walsh (a former teacher of mine, actually) is a member of SAG and the WGA. Though he is not writing for the show, he’s still a member of the union and I bet he’s going to bail."
Continuing the post, the user said, "Honestly any of the stars could use union solidarity as a reason to bounce, but I think Matt is the most likely one of them to do so. Union strong!"
Another user took to Reddit to start a thread while sharing a screenshot of a tweet that said, "One of the stars, @mrmattwalsh, who is one of my idols, is in a really tough bind. He's a WGA writer too."
The tweet added, "So he must cross our picket line as a member to go to work. Again he probably doesn't even know that! Most people think reality shows aren't WGA, but #DWTSisWGA."
The Reddit user titled the thread, "Oh wow.. do y'all think he could drop out? I'd feel back for Koko, even if he probably wont make it far on the show she seems to be having a lot of fun with him."
Tony Hale sends best wishes to Matt Walsh ahead of 'DWTS' Season 32
'Good Morning America' shared Tony Hale's message as he wished the best of luck to Matt ahead of the release of 'DWTS' Season 32.
He said in the video, "Mr Walsh, we are so excited for you, man. So excited." He added, "We can not wait to see your moves. We don't know why you haven't shown them to us before, but we're ready to be surprised."
Tony ended the video by saying, "Have an absolute blast, man. We're all going to be rooting for you. OK. Good luck. Bye."
Matt Walsh is 'hopeful' and feels WGA strike will get resolved
Matt, along with other actors, discussed their thoughts on WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. AV Club reports that the 'Veep' actor said, "I hope they figure it out."
Matt further claims, "But there's a lot of issues that in a shifting landscape, the platforms, and artificial intelligence. There needs to be some carve-outs for actors so we can survive."
Considering this statement and his affiliation with WGA, it seems like Matt supports the ongoing strikes. He further claimed, "There's real conversations that have to happen, but I, I'm hopeful that it gets resolved."
'DWTS' Season 32 makes to comply with SAG-AFTRA rules
'DWTS' Season 32 is keeping its premiere date unchanged. The new season will premiere on Tuesday. However, it's the first time that the show will be airing on Tuesdays as it typically did on Mondays.
The Sun reports 'DWTS' "will be working in compliance with SAG-AFTRA rules, and a key focus is not to put talent in a tough spot, given that many Season 32 cast members are part of the actors’ guild."
It is reported that a large staff of the show will not be out of work. The main focus of the show is to "keep 500 people employed."
However, in order to comply with SAG-AFTRA rules, this season will not include clips from contestants' past shows or films as per a source's comment to Variety.
'DWTS' Season 32 will premiere on Tuesday, September 26 at 8/7c on ABC.