Angry writers and actors walked the streets, signs clenched tightly in their hands, demanding a change. For nearly six months they striked to protect their jobs from rising artificial intelligence, as well as to ask for higher royalties and better working conditions. During this time, viewers at home sat patiently waiting for highly anticipated movies and television to resume production.
Striking not only meant stopping all work on-camera and behind the scenes, but it also prohibited actors from promoting any projects—even the ones already filmed. This meant no interviews, festivals, premieres, press conferences or fan expos. And for the writers, any and all script creation was halted.
This was the first time in over 60 years that both the writers and actors gathered at the picket lines hand in hand. Beginning the lengthy protests on May 2, the WGA (Writers Guild of America) was later joined by SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) on July 14. After many months of debating, the writers ended their strike on Sept. 27, followed by the actors on Nov. 9.
However, now that the strikes are over, hungry viewers are suffering the consequences. After standing by, waiting for an agreement to be made, they now must wait even longer. As fan favorite tv shows are beginning filming much later than desired, scripts are being thrown together and productions are only delayed further and further, the industry has entered a period of rebuilding.
There’s no telling what the future looks like, but there’s at least some productions to look forward to, even if they won’t be hitting the screens anytime soon.
“Dune: Part Two”
Original release date: mid Nov. 2023
Modified release date: March 1, 2024
This sci-fi book to movie adaptation showcases beloved actors Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Florence Pugh and Austin Butler. The sequel will continue to tell the second half of Frank Herbert’s novel “Dune,” which was initally released Sept. 21, 2021. Set on a sandy planet of warfare and revenge, viewers are in for a treat.
“I’m so hyped that [Dune: Part Two] is finally coming out, and that this time Zendaya is actually in most of the movie,” said sophomore Adeline Bennett.
“Stranger Things: Season Five”
Original release date: early 2025
Modified release date: late 2025 – early 2026
Seemingly never ending, with each new season of Stranger Things the town of Hawkins continues to unravel further and further. But has time gotten ahead of the show? With the original cast of kids all grown up, it’s questionable whether or not they can still pass for high school students. The “Stranger Things” franchise has only recently finished writing Season Five’s script and given the considerable amount of visual effects, as well as the cast’s availability, viewers won’t be seeing Season Five for over a year.
“The Last of Us”
Original release date: mid 2024
Modified release date: late 2024 – early 2025
Gory and heart wrenching, this video game turned HBO TV show was renewed for a second season in late January of 2023, having been confirmed after only two episodes aired. However, writing and casting was abruptly postponed when the protests began and unsurprisingly, co-creator and showrunner Craig Mazin was seen on the picket lines holding a sign of his own.
“We’ll probably shoot at the end of this year, beginning of next. So it’ll probably [release by] the end of 2024, early 2025,” said starring actor Bella Ramsey in an article by the GQ magazine, although a specific release date is yet to be set for the show.
“Challengers”
Original release date: Sept. 15, 2023
Modified release date: April 26, 2024
This rom-com sports drama follows the life of tennis star Tashi Duncan. The film was set to open at the 2023 Venice Film Festival, however, the strikes put this movie on pause. Viewers now must wait a bit longer before seeing lead actress Zendaya hit the court this spring.
“Deadpool 3”
Original release date: May 3, 2023
Modified release date: July 26, 2024
Along with many other films from the Marvel Cinematic universe, “Deadpool 3” was pushed back from its originally set release date. Now Ryan Reynolds’ fans will have to wait until this summer for the movie to hit theaters. Having been one of many Marvel films whose production was halted, it now appears “Deadpool 3” is currently the only Marvel film set to release in 2024.
“Avatar 3”
Original release date: mid 2025
Modified release date: Dec. 19, 2025
This Walt Disney Studios series is definitely a fan favorite. With “Avatar 2” having the 4th-highest global release of all-time, there’s no doubt that many people are waiting for the third movie (out of the five) to be released. Similarly to “Avatar 2,” the release of “Avatar 3” has now been pushed back multiple times.
