This year’s Comic-Con will miss the presence of screen actors, as they join the writer’s guild, SAG AFTRA, in striking. The highly popular convention, a staple event for comic books, movie, and cosplay enthusiasts, will operate on a reduced schedule as key industry giants such as Netflix, Disney, Marvel Studio, and others opt out of participation. This move follows the writer’s strike and now, with actors aligning themselves with the same cause, the number of panel cancellations is rising.
Legendary, the company behind the much-anticipated Dune: Part 2, is the latest to cancel their panel at the convention. The Hollywood Reporter’s Borys Kit disclosed via Twitter, “Owing to the #SAGstrike, Legendary has withdrawn from Comic-Con, cancelling the panel which would have showcased cast & footage of DUNE PART 2.”
What’s In Store for Dune Part Two?
Following the triumphant reception of the first movie, fans are eagerly awaiting Denis Villeneuve’s adaptation of Frank Herbert’s epic. The initial trailer has stirred further anticipation by introducing new members of the cast like Austin Butler, Christopher Walken, and Florence Pugh. The movie will chart the ascension of Timothee Chalamet’s character, Paul Atreides, to a messianic role. In a recent interview with FilmSweep, Rebecca Ferguson, who portrays Paul’s mother Lady Jessica, expressed her enthusiasm, saying:
“I can’t stop smiling right now. It’s just so amazingly good. I get teary talking about it because I adore Denny [Villeneuve] and I love Greig [Fraser] and the team. The first film was phenomenal, grandiose and larger than life, but the close-ups, the imagery, the acting…it’s all superb. Yet, it’s nothing compared to the second one. The second film is like a punch to the gut. It’s beyond words.”
Image courtesy of Warner Bros
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‘Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part Two’ Delayed Further By SAG Strikes
However, fans will have to be patient to uncover more about the forthcoming feature. While it’s uncommon for both actors and writers to be picketing simultaneously, it’s not unprecedented. Both unions have grievances concerning fair wages, residuals, and the use of artificial intelligence. The writers initiated their strike in May when WGA and AMPTP couldn’t agree on these issues. Numerous series and movies were disrupted, though those with scripts approved before the strike proceeded with production. With actors now also on strike, numerous projects like Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning — Part 2, MCU’s Deadpool 3, and Netflix’s The Sandman have suspended filming. As for when production will resume, only time will tell, but the delay will certainly postpone some much-loved projects.
Dune 2 is slated for a November 3 release. The trailer can be viewed below:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Dune: Part 2 Cancellation
Why has Legendary cancelled the ‘Dune: Part 2’ panel at Comic-Con?
Legendary has cancelled the ‘Dune: Part 2’ panel at Comic-Con due to the ongoing Screen Actors Guild (SAG AFTRA) strike, which has seen screen actors join writers on the picket lines.
Which other major companies have decided to sit out the event?
Other major players such as Netflix, Disney, and Marvel Studio have also decided to sit out the event in the wake of the writer’s strike and with actors joining the strike.
What is the reason for the SAG AFTRA strike?
The actors and writers are striking for their rights, with issues of contention over fair wages, residuals, and the use of artificial intelligence.
How has the strike impacted other films and series?
Several series and films have been affected by the strike, including Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning — Part 2, MCU’s Deadpool 3, and Netflix’s The Sandman, which have all halted filming.
When is ‘Dune: Part 2’ set to release?
‘Dune: Part 2’ is currently slated for a November 3 release.
More about Dune: Part 2 Cancellation
- Details on SAG AFTRA Strike
- Info on Comic-Con’s Reduced Schedule
- News on Legendary’s Withdrawal from SDCC
- Trailer for Dune: Part 2
- Interview with Rebecca Ferguson on Dune: Part 2
5 comments
Man, this is such a bummer! was looking forward to the Dune panel. hope they sort out the strikes soon, we need more great cinema!
Does this mean Dune 2’s release will get delayed too?? someone pls tell me it ain’t so…
WTF! was so hyped for Dune 2 panel at comic con… now i gotta wait till November..ugh
first writers now actors, these strikes are ruining comic con this year 🙁
Strikes are important though, folks. if it means better conditions for the people who make our fav films, then so be it.