Emotional Writers' Strike Speech: Tony Gilroy Takes Aim at Star Wars Producers

Disney Plus series Andor is well-known for its strong sense of justice and passionate vibes, particularly within the Star Wars franchise. Showrunner Tony Gilroy, renowned for his writing, has shared his passion with striking writers, revealing the source of the show's fire. As a masterful storyteller, Gilroy has crafted memorable speeches within Andor, such as Fiona Shaw's character radicalizing her hometown against the Empire and Andy Serkis's powerful delivery inspiring inmates to rebel against their captors. It comes as no surprise that Gilroy possesses a burning flame of defiance in his soul, as demonstrated in his recent speech.

Gilroy appeared on the picket line for the WGA and SAG-AFTRA actors' strike in New York City and was filmed by Deadline Hollywood. He passionately encouraged his fellow screenwriters, comparing their fight to his own project, Andor, and criticizing the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. The guilds are striking for fair pay and treatment, particularly in regards to streaming residuals. Gilroy, a second-generation guild member, shared the historical context of past strikes and the sacrifices made to secure rights like residual payments, healthcare, and pensions. He acknowledged the challenges they faced in previous strikes but expressed optimism about the current state of the guilds and their ability to effect change. He praised the guild for being older, wiser, more passionate, connected, and responsive, and highlighted the media's newfound interest and accuracy in reporting their story. The crowd responded with cheers.

"If there's one thing we've learned over the past 15 years," Gilroy declared, recalling the previous strike, "it's our worth. And everyone knows it. The directors know it. The producers know it. We are the heart of the industry." The crowd erupted in applause, resembling the enthusiastic audience at any showing of the immensely quotable Barbie. Even passing cars joined in, honking in approval. "Our ideas bring life to theme parks and toy stores," he continued once the boisterous cheers subsided. "Our characters grace lunch boxes and Halloween costumes. They manipulate us, pit guilds against one another, and use the media to instill fear. But we refuse to stand for it any longer. We are the natural resource from which their product is created, and we're tired of being exploited."

In conclusion, Gilroy delivered his closing words in his own unique fashion. "I never imagined writers would rise to the top," he remarked, acknowledging the guild's newfound power in negotiating fair treatment. "But here we are, in control of our own destiny. We can't afford to wait or stall... there's only one way out!" It was fitting that he referenced Serkis' memorable "one way out" speech from Andor, as Serkis himself recently spoke out about the strike. However, beyond these clever references, Gilroy's passion was captivating, and the guilds deserved fair treatment just as much as prisoners deserve freedom. Indeed, there's only one way out.

Source: Deadline Hollywood/Twitter