Viola Davis has announced her decision to step away from an upcoming film of hers, G20, saying she supports the ongoing strikes of actors and writers in Hollywood for better wages. This comes after G20 and more than 100 other independent films were given interim permission to continue filming and production during the SAG-AFTRA strikes.
“I love this movie, but I do not feel that it would be appropriate for this production to move forward during the strike,” said Davis on Saturday about the movie, where she was also to be credited as a producer. “I appreciate that the producers on the project agree with this decision. JuVee Productions and I stand in solidarity with actors, SAG-AFTRA and the WGA.”
Davis is now setting the precedent for A-list stars to uphold the decision to strike; other A-listers, such as the cast of Oppenheimer, have also taken action by walking out of premieres and speaking out about the unfair conditions that actors and screenwriters face.
Other stars are criticizing SAG-AFTRA’s decision to grant waivers to indie projects amidst the strike. “We should see every movie star out there striking along because you have insurance because of your union,” said Sarah Silverman in an Instagram video. “…So, I don’t know if I’m mad at these movie stars that are making these indie movies that are obviously going to go to streaming, or am I mad at SAG for making this interim deal for these indie movies?”
The issue is a hot debate right now, and with the strikes still in full swing, it’s unknown how many more waivers will be given out before the end of the strikes. For now, many actors continue to work on indie projects while voicing support for those striking against larger studios.
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