Hollywood actors banned from dressing up as popular characters on Halloween

SAG-AFTRA union slams AI likeness proposals from studios

The SAG-AFTRA union has issued some new rules as the strike heads into its 15th week, keeping Hollywood at a standstill.

While the rules that were initially announced when the strike began in July stopped actors from being able to take on work, both on and off camera, for specific studios and projects, known as struck content, the new guidelines extend even further.

Actors will now be banned from dressing up as popular characters from struck content for Halloween with some of the most popular Halloween costumes this year, like Barbie and Wednesday Addams, included according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Union members were told on Thursday they could “choose costumes inspired by generalized characters and figures” such as ghosts or zombies.

The guidance also advised actors to simply “dress up as characters from non-struck content” like animated shows or comic book characters, however, stars will likely be wary of this as the lines become blurred with some companies like Marvel.

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The MCU’s superheroes originated in comic books, the characters are still considered struck content because they are owned by Disney, which is a struck studio.

Actors will also be barred from posting photos of “costumes inspired by struck content” on social media.

SAG-AFTRA has issued the new strict guidelines in hopes of showing struck companies that “we will not promote their content without a fair contract”.

However, not all Hollywood stars are on board with the new rules.

Deadpool star Ryan Reynolds comically hit out at the update on X, formerly known as Twitter: “I look forward to screaming ‘scab’ at my 8 year old all night. She’s not in the union but she needs to learn,” referring to the title given to those who cross the picket lines or go against strike rules.

Mandy Moore also reacted to the news on Instagram, questioning if the update was “a joke” on her Instagram story.

The actress raged: “Come on SAG-AFTRA. This is what’s important? We’re asking you to negotiate in good faith on our behalf.

“So many folks across every aspect of this industry have been sacrificing mightily for months. Get back to the table and get a fair deal so everyone can get back to work.”

Two days after the new rules were revealed, a negotiations update was also delivered by the union noting that official negotiations will resume this coming Tuesday.

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