The filming of Deadpool 3 has come to a temporary halt due to the actors’ strike, which officially began on Friday.
Following the announcement of the SAG-AFTRA strike on July 14, Deadpool 3 has paused production, as confirmed by EW. The strike involves actors joining the Writers Guild of America (WGA) on picket lines.
The Marvel movie ceased filming shortly after revealing a first look at Hugh Jackman wearing the iconic yellow Wolverine suit alongside Ryan Reynolds as the Merc with a Mouth. Additionally, it was recently announced that Jennifer Garner would reprise her role as Elektra, having previously portrayed the sai-wielding assassin in 2003’s Daredevil, as well as the spin-off film Elektra.
Originally scheduled for a May 3, 2024, release date, Deadpool 3’s timing is now uncertain due to the production standstill. It is not the only major film that will face timeline adjustments if the actors’ strike prolongs.
SAG-AFTRA, a union representing over 160,000 performers, reached the end of its contract on June 30 but was granted a 12-day extension for further negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). The AMPTP includes prominent companies such as Amazon, Apple, Disney, NBCUniversal, Netflix, Paramount, Sony, and Warner Bros. Discovery. However, the extension concluded on July 12 without reaching a resolution.
Members of SAG-AFTRA, encompassing actors, announcers, DJs, stunt performers, broadcast journalists, dancers, program hosts, singers, voiceover artists, and other performers, are striving to improve working conditions and compensation in an industry disrupted by streaming and confronted with the “existential threat” of artificial intelligence.