Hollywood finds itself rooted in a deadlock as actors rally their solidarity with writers on the protest lines. The currently stalled writer’s strike has gathered increased traction as their artistic counterparts entered the fray in a struggle for just remuneration. The cessation of SAG-AFTRA work occurred in the wake of AMPTP breaking off negotiations with the actor’s union. Numerous eagerly awaited projects such as Deadpool 3 and Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning Part Two have suspended their production operations. Furthermore, Netflix’s forthcoming sequel to The Sandman joins them in this hiatus.
According to a fresh disclosure in Total Film, Neil Gaiman, the creator, affirmed, “The SAG-AFTRA strike is operational. Sandman, along with all the other works that were barely scraping by sans writers, has ceased filming entirely.” Expressing solidarity with his fellow artists, Gaiman hoped that the AMPTP would “find reason and return to the negotiating table with the actors and writers. At this stage, I find no basis to believe they will act sensibly.”
What does the future hold for The Sandman Season 2?
In the backdrop of the WGA strike commencement in May, Gaiman provided assurance to his fanbase that the second rendition of The Sandman wouldn’t be the work of scabs. He confirmed that the scriptwriting process was completed and locked in prior to the initiation of the strike. The series dove headfirst into production in June, conducting filming across various locales within the UK. Nevertheless, with the indefinite halt in production, predicting the wrap of filming and the release of the highly anticipated second version remains challenging.
Gaiman has been forthright in expressing his support for his fellow writers, uniting with them on the protest lines at the outset of the strike. He expressed concern over the future of television writing, stating, “My main concern was to ensure the continuity of TV writers and showrunners who are skilled in their craft. I’m of the belief that the current contract does not provide that assurance.” Apart from The Sandman, Gaiman also has the second season of Good Omens on the horizon, as well as Prime Video’s Anansi Boys, which he has put on hold.
After languishing in development purgatory for several decades, The Sandman made its grand debut in August last year to immense fan excitement and widespread critical praise. The beloved character finally received its well-deserved Netflix series. The series received the green light for a renewal in November, with the assurance of the introduction of fresh characters like Delirium in the next version. The series showcased an ensemble cast featuring Tom Sturridge as Lord Morpheus/Dream, Jenna Coleman as Johanna Constantine, Gwendoline Christie as Lucifer Morningstar, Kirby Howell-Baptiste as Death, Ferdinand Kingsley as Hob Gadling, and Mason Alexander Park as Desire, among others.
The inaugural season of The Sandman is currently available for streaming on Netflix. Stay tuned to this space for further developments.
Conclusion
The ongoing writer’s strike, which has now seen the solidarity of actors, has thrown Hollywood into a state of uncertainty, affecting highly anticipated productions like Deadpool 3, Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning Part Two, and Netflix’s sequel to The Sandman. This evolving situation underlines the critical role of writers in the entertainment industry and presents a clear indication of the collective power of artistic professions in fighting for fair compensation. As the strike continues, fans worldwide eagerly await the resolution of this standoff and the consequent return of their favorite shows and movies.
