Expressing his strong desire, Bob Iger conveyed during Disney’s Q3 earnings call that he hopes for swift resolutions to the challenges that have caused discord over the previous months. He added his personal dedication to working towards attaining this outcome in relation to the Writers Guild and SAG-AFTRA strike.
The CEO’s recent statement, both in terms of its content and tone, signifies a significant departure from his dismissive remarks made merely a month ago regarding the WGA strike and the then- impending actors’ strike.
Bob Iger Makes Bold Comments About SAG-AFTRA Strike
Certainly, as the company commemorates its 100th anniversary, today’s earnings outcomes and conference call coincide with the point where the 2023 writers’ strike has extended beyond the duration of the 2007-2008 strike, reaching nearly unprecedented territory. Currently spanning 100 days, the 1988 writers’ strike holds the record as the longest labor dispute in the history of the WGA, though that might change.
“It is my fervent hope that we quickly find solutions to the issues that have kept us apart these past few months,” Bob Iger said during Disney’s Q3 earnings call about the SAG-AFTRA strike. “And I am personally committed to working to achieve this result.”
Bob Iger emphasized the paramount significance of the company’s connections with the creative community. He highlighted that this encompasses actors, writers, animators, directors, and producers. Iger conveyed his profound regard and gratitude for those essential to the exceptional creative force propelling both the company and the broader industry.
In contrast to certain other studios, Disney refrained from providing a detailed breakdown of the cost reductions resulting from the strike. Nonetheless, within a Q3 earnings report marked by a blend of outcomes, Iger did acknowledge that the company is making progress towards surpassing its initial target of achieving savings amounting to $5.5 billion.
Majors Films Delayed Due To SAG-AFTRA Strike
Allegedly, Disney has rescheduled the release dates for multiple movies within its Avatar and Star Wars series due to the ongoing WGA strike. According to the Hollywood Reporter, Avatar 3, directed by James Cameron, is now slated for release in 2025, followed by Avatar 4 in 2029 and Avatar 5 in 2031. Additionally, two unnamed Star Wars films have been rescheduled for a 2026 premiere. Enthusiasts of the Star Wars franchise will also experience a prolonged wait for the fourth season of The Mandalorian.
In mid-June, Disney unveiled its decision to postpone the release of several forthcoming Marvel movies, which encompasses titles like Captain America: Brave New World as well as the subsequent two installments of the Avengers series.
Reportedly, the Ryan Reynolds-led movie Deadpool 3 underwent a rescheduling, moving up from November to May of the following year on Disney’s release calendar. However, due to union regulations, Reynolds is restricted from improvisation on set and must adhere to the script pre-dating the strike.
Source: Deadline
