BIG PICTURE
Bryan Cranston delivers an impactful oration at a SAG-AFTRA strike rally, criticizing Disney CEO Bob Iger for his dismissive remarks and resistance to adapting to the evolving entertainment industry. Cranston fervently voiced his opposition to the risk of artificial intelligence supplanting their roles, imploring Iger to appreciate the artists’ point of view and not disregard their apprehensions. The actor underscores his steadfast allegiance to their union, refusing any efforts to compromise their right to work and earn a fair living, while also calling for respect and dignity.
Bryan Cranston targeted Disney head Bob Iger in an invigorating speech supporting the SAG-AFTRA strike this morning in New York City. Speaking at a rally in Times Square, Cranston denounced the peril of artificial intelligence in the entertainment field and aimed at the Disney CEO for his grossly offensive comments about what he called “unreasonable demands” to halt the strike.
At the rally, Cranston was one of several high-profile celebrities who rose to address a large congregation of SAG-AFTRA members and union backers. The stage was shared by other notable figures such as Steve Buscemi, Wendell Pierce, Christian Slater, Christine Baranski, Stephen Lang, and Titus Burgess. Joining them were fellow actors Michael Shannon, BD Wong, Brendan Fraser, Jessica Chastain, Matt Bomer, Chloë Grace Moretz, Corey Stoll, and many others.
“Our industry has undergone enormous transformation. We aren’t operating under the same business model that we were even a decade ago,” he remarked. “However, even though they acknowledge this reality in today’s economy, they are battling us fervently to maintain an economic system that’s antiquated, obsolete! They want us to revert. We can’t and won’t comply.”
Image via Freepik
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Unheard Pleas
Cranston expanded on his comments by saying that, although he grasped Iger might not see things from the artists’ viewpoint, he must heed the existential threat represented by what he termed “robots” in their sector. His pleas might be ignored, considering that Iger had previously jested about AI replacing him in his job.
“We’ve got a message for Mr. Iger. We realize, sir, that you perceive things from a different perspective. We don’t expect you to comprehend our identities. However, we urge you to hear us, and more importantly, listen to us when we state that we won’t have our jobs outsourced to robots. We won’t allow you to rob us of our right to work and earn an honest living. And finally, and most critically, we will resist any attempts to strip us of our dignity! We are union members through and through, to the very end!”
You can view the footage of Cranston’s spirited speech, which significantly inspired the attendees, at the embedded link below.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Bryan Cranston SAG-AFTRA strike speech
Who delivered a speech at the SAG-AFTRA strike rally?
Bryan Cranston, known for his role in “Breaking Bad”, delivered a passionate speech at the SAG-AFTRA strike rally.
What was the primary concern that Bryan Cranston raised in his speech?
Cranston raised concerns about the increasing influence of artificial intelligence in the entertainment industry, and the potential threat it poses to actors’ jobs.
Who was Bryan Cranston’s criticism mainly targeted at?
Cranston’s criticism was primarily aimed at Disney CEO Bob Iger. He confronted Iger over his dismissive comments on the concerns raised by the actors and his refusal to adapt to changes in the entertainment industry.
Which other notable figures shared the stage with Bryan Cranston at the rally?
Other notable figures sharing the stage with Bryan Cranston included Steve Buscemi, Wendell Pierce, Christian Slater, Christine Baranski, Stephen Lang, Titus Burgess, Michael Shannon, BD Wong, Brendan Fraser, Jessica Chastain, Matt Bomer, Chloë Grace Moretz, and Corey Stoll.
What was the key message of Bryan Cranston’s speech?
Cranston’s key message was a call for respect, dignity, and the right to work in the face of the potential displacement by AI. He demanded that the voices of artists should not be dismissed and that they will not accept having their jobs taken away by robots.
More about Bryan Cranston SAG-AFTRA strike speech
- SAG-AFTRA official website
- About Bryan Cranston
- AI in Entertainment Industry
- Disney and the Role of AI
- Bob Iger’s stance on AI
5 comments
cranston was on fire with this one, totally slayed it! Iger better take note. AI aint gonna replace real talent, no sir.
go Cranston go! Always loved him since the breaking bad days… he knows how to put on a show. He’s right, you know… AI taking over, it’s scary stuff.
i agree with Cranston, we need to protect the industry, save jobs, and ensure actors are respected! Go Bryan!
i’m all for progress and tech, but art needs humans! we can’t just let AI rule everything… it’s time bigwigs like iger listen up.
wow this was powerful, Cranston has always been such an advocate for artists. I just hope these words arent falling on deaf ears.