Perhaps one of the most pressing matters that ought to undeniably become one of the biggest betrayals for the Writer’s Guild of America, is the current strike and its vehement opponents. Almost three months after the WGA unionized and publicly went on a strike, the Screen Actors’ Guild is also facing a similar future looming in, and companies like Netflix have been bracing for the disheartening future ahead affecting their wallets.
Aside from questionable choices in screen sharing and all the account implications, Netflix should’ve seen its popularity taking a nosedive. Mix that in with the continuous axing of fan-favorite shows, indicating that the platform is indeed veering in the wrong direction. But even amid all the possible critics of the streaming giant, it still holds people’s favorite series, and everyone’s favorite actors, making it a mixed bag.
Netflix’s CEO joins the many entertainment titans to try to stave off SAG strikes
It has been almost three months since the WGA initiated a strike that has already made significant waves in the entertainment industry. The Writers’ Guild took a stand, demanding better compensation across all media platforms, fair pay for TV series writing from pre-production to post-production, improved contributions to pension and health plans, and more. The aim was to secure a livable wage and improved working conditions.
Hoping to reach similar rights within their own realm, the Screen Actors’ Guild is also about to pop the bubble and start its own strike, inspired by WGA’s strength, and it has been reported that members of the union are ready to go on strike Thursday morning, with some of its members being trained in how to be strike captains.
Naturally, the wealthy CEOs of production companies haven’t exactly seen eye to eye with the WGA. Forced to halt production and reluctantly witnessing a loss in revenue, these industry titans have openly expressed their dismissive views. While not explicitly joining the chorus, Netflix’s CEO is among the many executives concerned about the future of the Screen Actors Guild and the potential for an impending strike, rather than prioritizing a reassessment of workers’ rights.
A Family Affair gets booted even before it reaches the platform
Imagine this: Nicole Kidman, Zac Efron, Joey King, and Kathy Bates all starring in one film, creating a star-studded masterpiece bound to lure audiences in. Now, erase that thought completely because that’s exactly what Netflix seems to have done. A Family Affair, a film boasting an incredible cast, has been removed from Netflix’s exclusive release calendar, and even though it hasn’t been entirely axed by the platform, the treatment it has been getting does not fall short considering Netflix’s recent actions towards its original shows and films.
Joining the ranks of Millie Bobby Brown’s Damsel and Kevin Hart’s heist caper Lift, this highly anticipated film has been postponed without a confirmed new release date. Originally set to premiere on November 17, just in time for the winter season, it was poised to become the hottest watch for cozy evenings. Unfortunately, but perhaps unsurprisingly, its fate now remains unknown.
A famous Korean actress joins in on the fun for Castaway Diva
Just a mere few hours ago, Netflix announced the casting and details about the newest addition to the South Korean drama scene. Castaway Diva will be joining the ranks of the highly anticipated dramas and series hailing from South Korea, and it is bound to be gracing the screens in late 2023. Telling the story of Yoon Ran-ju, a once-popular singer, who meets Seo Mok-ha, a fan, discovering a new lease on life on an island, Castaway Diva is already a huge name in the upcoming Netflix releases.
To make matters even more interesting, the coveted Extraordinary Attorney Woo star, Park Eun Bin, will now be on the show. The highly sought-out actress will be joining a star-studded South Korean cast, comprised of Kim Hyo-jin, Chae Jong-hyeop, Cha Hak-yeon, and Kim Joo-hun, and it will be directed by Oh Chung-hwan (Hotel Del Luna, Big Mouse). Almost unrecognizable with her long hair, Park will be playing the main character, Yoon Ran-Ju, and undoubtedly engulfed in the success after the second imminent hit about to reach the platform.