Arrow Star Stephen Amell Expresses Strong Disapproval of Actors' Strike, Revealing Deep Frustration
Stephen Amell's bold stance on the actors' strike sparks controversy and ignites a firestorm of backlash
Summary
Stephen Amell criticizes the ongoing actors strike, calling it a "reductive negotiating tactic" and expressing frustration with the situation.
Amell's remarks have faced criticism, but he is not the sole actor impacted by the strike since several others are also unable to promote their projects. Nevertheless, numerous performers have displayed unwavering solidarity with the strike, actively participating in picket lines and making contributions to different funds. The impasse in Hollywood serves a noble purpose.
Heels and Arrow star Stephen Amell strongly criticizes the ongoing actors strike. The Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA), like the Writers Guild of America, is currently on strike. The strike was officially called by the union on July 13 after failed negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). SAG-AFTRA is demanding increased wages, regulation for AI usage, and better residuals for streaming projects, among other things. However, since the AMPTP has refused to compromise and resume negotiations, all SAG actors are now protesting instead of being on set.
While most actors have publicly shown their support for the strike, Amell does not share the same sentiment. During a recent appearance at Galaxycon (via Deadline), the former Arrowverse star openly admitted that he does not support the SAG-AFTRA strike, although he claims to stand with his fellow actors. Amell finds the situation "incredibly frustrating" and expressed the following:
Stephen Amell's Stance On The Actors Strike Is Drawing Backlash
I back my union wholeheartedly and stand by them, but I am not in favor of resorting to striking. I consider it a counterproductive approach to negotiations, and it profoundly frustrates me. Moreover, the narrow perspective, particularly regarding shows like the one I am currently part of [Heels], which premiered last night, strikes me as short-sighted.
The backlash against Amell's strike critiques spread quickly across social media. Many criticized him for his comments, highlighting the irony of his situation. Amell had referred to a show called Heels in his remarks, a show that had just made its return to Starz after a long absence. Unfortunately, due to the ongoing strike, Amell found himself unable to participate in interviews or promotional events for the series. Furthermore, he was unable to promote the show on his social media platforms. This inability to share his work with audiences undoubtedly brought about a sense of frustration for the actor.
However, Amell is not the only one currently unable to promote an exciting project. There are numerous titles set to be released in the upcoming weeks and months that will lack public support from their casts. For instance, a recent red carpet premiere of Disney's Haunted Mansion had no actors present. For a strike to be effective, unity and determination among all participants are crucial, which requires making sacrifices. Amell's comments must be seen as some sort of victory for the AMPTP, who are searching for signs of weakness within the strikes.
Despite Amell's stance on the actors' strike, many other performers have remained unwavering in their support. Notable actors such as Rachel McAdams, Bob Odenkirk, and Lupita Nyong'o have actively shown their solidarity on picket lines, and many others have contributed to various funds and promoted the strike on social media. Currently, the AMPTP has not indicated any intention to resume negotiations, leading studios to reconsider some of their fall releases. With the ongoing writers' strike, the entertainment industry in Hollywood remains at a standstill, but all for a commendable cause.
Source: Deadline
