“Deadpool 3” has ceased filming as the SAG-AFTRA strike begins, with artists joining members of the Writers Guild of America on the picket lines. Marvel’s sequel is one of the first major productions to be impacted by the new strike.
News of the halt in production comes just days after “Deadpool 3” gave audiences their first look at the set, posting a photo of stars Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman dressed as Deadpool and Wolverine, respectively. The news also recently announced that Jennifer Garner would appear in the film as Elektra, having previously starred in the role of “Daredevil” in 2003 and the spin-off film “Elektra” in 2005.
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“Deadpool 3” reunites Reynolds with his “Free Guy” director Shawn Levy. The film will be the first serial entry released by The Walt Disney Company, following the studio’s acquisition of 21st Century Fox in 2019, which halted production.
When the WGA approved a strike order in May, TV programs like NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” and late-night talk shows were the first to go out of business. “Deadpool 3” had successfully navigated the writers’ strike, continuing production for the past few weeks. The sudden suspension of filming foreshadows the industry-wide stasis that is now in store with movie actors on the picket lines.
The SAG-AFTRA union represents approximately 160,000 performers, including actors, announcers, hosts, DJs, stunt performers and broadcast journalists, all of whom are currently seeking pay equity and better working conditions in a landscape ever-changing Hollywood modified by streaming platforms and artificial intelligence. The SAG talks ended July 12 at midnight PT after a 12-day extension period after the contracts expired on June 30.
Additional reporting by KJ Yossman.
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