On the fateful day of July 14th, the SAG-AFTRA strike erupted in full force following the contract’s expiration. Hollywood found itself engulfed in an unprecedented wave of solidarity, as a massive alliance rallied behind the cause. Major media houses and productions came to a halt, paralyzed by the overwhelming show of support. Even high-profile screenings were suspended or teetered on the edge of uncertainty.

The demand for change resonated throughout the entire industry, forging a powerful union that stood united. In the midst of the resounding support, a curious contradiction emerged from none other than DC actor Stephen Amell.

Stephen Amell stands in the spotlight

As the actors and writers’ strike gained immense momentum, fueled by unwavering industry-wide support, a curious outlier emerged in the form of Amell. This acclaimed actor, renowned for his portrayal in Arrow, stood out with contrasting views during his appearance at Raleigh’s GalaxyCon. In a statement that seemed to diverge from the prevailing sentiment, Amell expressed reservations about endorsing the strike. He said, “I do not support striking. I don’t. I think that it’s a reductive negotiating tactic, and I find the entire thing incredibly frustrating.” 

As Amell stepped forward to deliver his statement, he made it clear that he holds great respect for Hollywood, as it was not just his workplace, but also his home. While he expressed support for the union, he could not help but view the idea of striking as rather myopic. His perspective, though genuine, sparked a fiery backlash from those who believed that supporting the union should inherently mean supporting the strike. The ripples of his words echoed through the industry, and Sony, as the first production house, decided to delay some of its releases.

Indeed, Amell’s viewpoint might find him among the minority, as a few voices in opposition to the strike emerge. Nevertheless, the vast majority of the industry has united in their unwavering support for the cause.

Divided voices, unified industry

Amidst a list of the most influential personalities, Will Smith emerged as a beacon of support for the strike, expressing his unwavering commitment through a heartfelt and poignant note. Taking to all his social media platforms, Will Smith boldly proclaimed his endorsement, deeming it a pivotal moment for the entire profession. In a powerful gesture, he shared an evocative image, capturing an acting class led by Speiser.

Amidst the promotional events for his latest movie, The Martini Shot, Matthew Modine, stood as a resolute advocate. He showcased his unwavering support for the strike. With a captivating presence at the Galway Film Festival, he eloquently addressed the audience, passionately urging unity within the entire industry. In a remarkable display of solidarity, Modine chose not to focus on promoting his own film during these critical times.

Do you support Amell’s idea on the strike? Pour your thoughts in the comments below.