Halloween 2023: Why are actors banned from dressing up as Barbie, Wednesday Addams and film superheroes
The warning comes in light of the ongoing Hollywood strike, where actors are refraining from work for major US studios. Sag-Aftra, the actors' union, has cautioned its members that wearing such costumes could inadvertently promote content produced by the studios they are in dispute with.
So, this means, dressing up as Barbie, Wednesday Addams and film superheroes is banned.
Instead, the union suggests opting for costumes based on more generalized characters and figures, like ghosts, zombies, or spiders.
Alternatively, actors could choose outfits inspired by content not covered by the strike rules, such as characters from animated TV shows. This guidance aims to send a clear message to the striking employers that actors will not endorse their content without a fair contract.
The Hollywood strike, now nearing the 100-day mark, has significantly impacted productions, with negotiations at an impasse.
Disagreements persist over various demands, including increased pay, a share of streaming revenues, and protections against the replication of actors' images and voices through artificial intelligence.
Recently, A-list stars led by George Clooney proposed a solution to break the deadlock.
The group, which included Scarlett Johansson, Meryl Streep, and others, suggested that higher-earning members contribute more in union fees, potentially generating $50 million annually.
