The cast of Oppenheier stormed out of a London premiere to “go and write their picket signs” in preparation for the “imminent” strike by the actors union.
Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt and Matt Damon were among the Hollywood stars who staged a walk-out from the London premiere ahead of the Sag-Aftra strike announcement on Thursday evening (July 13).
The premiere of Christopher Nolan’s latest historical epic was brought forward by an hour ahead of the SAG-Aftra press conference in the heart of Los Angeles, which later declared the US union had agreed to strike.
READ MORE: Margot Robbie wows The One Show fans after brutally pranking Barbie crew on set
It’s fair to say the anticipated announcement threw a shadow over the London film premiere at the Odeon Luxe in Leicester Square.
Follow Daily Star on Threads here.
(Image: ANDY RAIN/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)
Attendees included the film’s major stars including Florence Pugh, Robert Downey Jr, Sir Kenneth Branagh and Rami Malek leaving before they left screening early.
Hercule Poirot star Sir Kenneth Branagh told PA news agency on the red carpet: “Everybody is working very hard to make sure it doesn’t happen, if it happens I stand in solidarity with our SAG members.
“We know it is a critical time at this point in the industry and the issues need to be addressed, difficult conversations, I know everybody is trying to get a fair deal, that is what’s required so we’ll support that.”
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Leading actor Cillian added: “I stand by my colleagues, that’s all I can say to you.”
The award-winning director addressed the upcoming strike by thanking the cast and crew of his new blockbuster film ahead of the screening.
Speaking on stage, he gushed: “I have to acknowledge the work of our incredible cast, led by Cillian Murphy.
(Image: Getty Images for Universal Pictu)
“The list is enormous – Robert Downey Jr, Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, Florence Pugh, Kenneth Branagh, Rami Malek and so many more. You’ve seen them here earlier on the red carpet.
“Unfortunately, they are off to write their picket signs for what we believe to be an imminent strike by SAG, joining one of my guilds, the Writers Guild, in the struggle for fair wages for working members of their union.”
British actress Emily Blunt warned viewers that the cast would be leaving “in unity” if the strike was announced during the film.
(Image: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)
She told US outlet Deadline: “I think right now we are just sorting of … I hope everyone makes a fair deal and we are here to just celebrate this movie.
“And if they call it, we’ll be leaving together as a cast in unity with everyone.”
When asked if she is “upping sticks”, she replied: “We’re going to have to. We are going to have to. We will see what happens, but right now it’s a joy to be together.”
(Image: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)
The strike news comes after the US union and Hollywood studios struggled to reach an agreement to agree to demands over issues including a fairer split of profits and better working conditions.
The strike means that 160,000 performers will join the picket line, joining a separate strike by writers.
Last month, SAG-Aftra members voted to authorise a strike if a new contract with major studios, streamers and production companies could not be reached.
(Image: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)
Nearly 98% (97.91%) of the 65,000 members who cast votes were in favour, SAG-Aftra said.
A statement from the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPT) said: “We are deeply disappointed that Sag-Aftra has decided to walk away from negotiations.
“This is the union’s choice, not ours,” they added.
(Image: Getty Images for Universal Pictu)
It went on: “In doing so, it has dismissed our offer of historic pay and residual increases, substantially higher caps on pension and health contributions, audition protections, shortened series option periods, a ground-breaking AI proposal that protects actors’ digital likenesses, and more.
“Rather than continuing to negotiate, Sag-Aftra has put us on a course that will deepen the financial hardship for thousands who depend on the industry for their livelihoods.”
It is now anticipated the strike will affect upcoming award shows, premieres, events and film festivals around the world, including the Toronto and Venice film festivals, and the 75th Emmys.
For more of the latest showbiz and TV news from the Daily Star, make sure you sign up to one of our newsletters here.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
