As Halloween is approaching, Hollywood actors are dealing with a new issue this year. It’s because they’ve been asked not to wear costumes from popular TV and movie characters, including Marvel superheroes — that many celebrities usually do every year.
This warning came in light of the ongoing Hollywood strike, which has now completed its 100 data mark. The strike is ongoing due to disagreements on several issues. These include demands for higher pay, a portion of streaming earnings, and safeguards against the use of actors’ images and voices through artificial intelligence.
Hollywood Actors Advised Not to Dress Up Like Marvel Superheroes, Barbie, and Wednesday on Halloween
On Oct. 18, SAG-AFTRA (the actors’ union) warned its members by posting this request on their website. According to The Hollywood Reporter, they requested that wearing these costumes might unintentionally support the studios they are currently in a dispute with.
So, dressing up like pop culture personas — Barbie, Wednesday Addams (the most famous characters of the year), or Disney-owned Marvel superheroes (be it any) is not allowed.
The guild also asked not to share their pictures (wearing these prohibited costumes) on any social media platforms. If a SAG-AFTRA member has a child dressed as Spider-Man or Barbie, they must refrain from posting pictures of them on social media, too.
What Are Hollywood Celebrities Allowed to Wear on Halloween?
The union recommends choosing costumes inspired by generic characters and creatures, such as ghosts, zombies, or spiders. Actors can also opt for costumes from content not affected by the strike, like characters from animated TV shows.
This advice is meant to show studios on strike that actors won’t support their content without a fair deal. But even with animation, there are still some rules to follow.
Ever since the guidelines were announced, ire of celebrities and industry insiders have poked fun at these rules. Recently, Deadpool star Ryan Reynolds wrote in an X (formerly Twitter) post: “I look forward to screaming ‘scab’ at my 8 year old all night. She’s not in the union but she needs to learn.”
I look forward to screaming “scab” at my 8 year old all night. She’s not in the union but she needs to learn
— Ryan Reynolds (@VancityReynolds) October 19, 2023
Singer-songwriter Mandy Moore also posted on an Instagram Story, saying, “Is this a joke? This is what’s important?” … Get back to the table and get a fair deal so everyone can get back to work.”
