Bleak Box Office Ahead As Studios Run Out of Content Amid SAG Strike
By Movieguide® Contributor
Studios are hesitant to release big-name projects during the actors’ strike, leading to a content desert as the holidays approach.
“The lack of any resolution in labor conflicts is bad news for movie theaters,” said Shawn Robbins, chief analyst at Boxoffice Pro. “The longer the strike goes on, we approach the worst-case scenario of impact. Some movies don’t need actors to promote them, but smaller releases could benefit from having stars on the press circuit.”
Already, 2023 has lost major releases as DUNE: PART TWO, GHOSTBUSTERS: AFTERLIFE and KRAVEN THE HUNTER have all been pushed to next year.
Movieguide® reported on DUNE: PART TWO:
Originally slated to release this November, the movie is now set to release on March 15, 2024.
The delayed release date comes from the studio’s desire to capitalize on the big-name actors starring in the movie. As long as the SAG strike continues, actors cannot promote their movies or attend the premiere.
2024 has already been affected as well, as spring releases are delayed to the fall, and movies slated for the second half of the year have moved to 2025.
While many earlier delays occurred because actors couldn’t promote movies, some delays are now the result of incomplete filming, and projects have no chance of finishing in time for their scheduled release date.
Tom Cruise’s MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE 8, for example, was originally slated for next summer, but due to filming delays caused by the strike, its release is bumped to May 23, 2025.
The less busy box office, however, has allowed less traditional pieces to shine, such as TAYLOR SWIFT: THE ERAS TOUR and the AppleTV-backed KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON, which is expected to hit the streaming site shortly after its theatrical debut.
These movies have helped keep the box office afloat through October, and a few other major releases in the upcoming months may be enough to keep it alive through the end of the year. THE MARVELS and THE HUNGER GAMES prequel THE BALLAD OF SONGBIRDS & SNAKES will hit theaters in November, while TROLLS BAND TOGETHER, WISH and WONKA will round out the year.
Although the actors’ strike is unlikely to extend into 2024, the content desert will persist once the conflict is resolved as Hollywood seeks to unclog its backed-up pipeline of half-finished projects.
“Then begins the Rubik’s Cube of ‘Where does talent go first? Where do crews go first? Are actors going to complete pickups of one movie before they go into production on another?’” said Paramount’s president of domestic distribution, Chris Aronson. “It’s going to be very complicated.”
Movieguide® previously reported:
As the SAG-AFTRA strike continues, the inability to promote movies through actors’ social media or press tours has already cost studios tens of millions of dollars.
“Not having stars to do publicity for your movies is a huge detriment to the overall campaign,” a top studio executive told The Hollywood Reporter. “You lose the cultural impact of having talent talk about the film. Some movies wouldn’t have worked anyway, but they have more of a shot.”
The new Ninja Turtles movie, for example, had nearly a dozen big-name actors, including Seth Rogan, Jackie Chan, Maya Rudolph and Post Malone, who would have drummed up significant interest in the movie before it was released. Instead, director Jeff Rowe had to bear the burden, resulting in a “green carpet” opening with little coverage.
“It was bizarre,” said a source. “Can you imagine what the group photo [of stars] would have been like on the carpet?”
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
