There Will Be No Red Carpet Premiere For Paramount’s ‘Special Ops: Lioness’ Variety has learned. The cancellation follows SAG-AFTRA’s announcement that the guild will begin its own strike against film and television companies, alongside the Writers Guild.
“We recognize this is disappointing news and apologize for any inconvenience this causes. We are very excited to celebrate the series and look forward to its debut to audiences on Paramount+ on July 23,” read the Official confirmation from Paramount+ of the change of plans for the premiere of Taylor Sheridan’s military drama.
More Variety
Originally scheduled for July 18 at the Directors Guild of America Theater in Los Angeles, the premiere of “Special Ops: Lioness” was to include appearances from stars such as Zoe Saldaña, Laysla De Oliveira, Nicole Kidman, Morgan Freeman, Michael Kelly, Dave Annable, Jill Wagner, LaMonica Garrett, James Jordan, Austin Hébert, Jonah Wharton, Stephanie Nur, Hannah Love Lanier and Sam Asghari.
SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher made the official strike announcement in a bold and fiery press conference speech on Thursday. “They are standing on the wrong side of history right now. We stand together, in unprecedented unity. Our union, our sister unions and unions around the world stand with us and other unions. Because at some point, the template is in. You can’t continue to be diminished and marginalized and disrespected and disgraced. The whole business model has been changed by streaming, digital, AI,” Drescher said.
Higher salaries, increased residual payments and protections around the use of artificial intelligence are among the guild’s top concerns as it seeks a solution with the Alliance of Film and TV Producers. .
As part of the strike, major work on and off camera such as acting, singing, dancing, dubbing, narration, etc. are no longer allowed at this time, as well as promotional and publicity services, including tours, personal appearances, interviews, and previews or screenings. The list of rules was published in a memo on Thursday.
“Special Ops: Lioness” is one of the first mats to be canceled in light of the strike. At the premiere of “Oppenheimer” in London on Wednesday, the cast of the film left the screening in a show of solidarity with the guild.
The best of variety
Subscribe to the Variety newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Click here to read the full article.