With no end in sight to the ongoing SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes, a new report indicates that the heads of two of the biggest movie studios in the world, Warner Bros.' David Zaslav and Disney's Bob Iger, are surprised by the amount of backlash they've received.
According to Deadline, several major studio chiefs, including Zazlav, Disney’s Dana Walden and Alan Bergman, Amazon Studios’ Mike Hopkins and Jennifer Salke, Netflix’s Ted Sarandos and Universal’s Donna Langley (Iger will not be present) are set to take part in a virtual sit-down today to discuss their options.
Following the recent news that the WGA rejected the last deal, calling it “neither nothing, nor nearly enough,” mistrust between the all parties involved is believed to be at an all-time high - and this seemingly extends to a certain amount of in-fighting among studio CEOs.
“Thin skinned” Iger and Zaslav are said to be “stunned” that they have been so vilified by the guild and its members over the past few months, according to one insider.
“Almost everyone is looking for someone to blame. They’re paralysed, even as the clock is ticking, and it’s Ted’s fault, Iger’s fault, even Tony Vinciquerra’s fault, depending on who you ask. It’s not helping the situation, or anyone.”
“These guys are worried about what comes next, after the strike,” states another source. “Remember, they’re competitors, they’re always thinking about how to best each other. The strikes don’t change that.”
The strikes have resulted in a freeze on major film and TV announcements (you may have noticed), cast and director promotion/interviews, and several delays. The biggest project to be pushed back is undoubtedly Denis Villeneuve's Dune: Part 2, which was moved from its original release date of November 2, 2023 to March 15, 2024 (more here).
For now, 2023's remaining studio tentpole comic book/superhero movies, The Marvels and Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, are staying put, but if the strikes go on much longer, we will almost certainly see more delays.