For its next blockbuster, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, Lionsgate, a non-AMPTP company, has signed an interim SAG-AFTRA deal, Deadline has confirmed.
If the strike continues, this will enable the film’s actors to promote the picture if they so choose. The movie is anticipated to make $50 million in its first three days of release when it premieres on November 17.
The picture features Rachel Zegler, Tom Blyth, Peter Dinklage, Hunter Schafer, Josh Andrés Rivera, Jason Schwartzman, and Oscar winner Viola Davis. It is set 64 years before the events of the original Suzanne Collins books and films and stars Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen. It will be fascinating to see if B.O. projections increase if that ensemble appears on late-night TV and social media and promotes the movie to the heavens, since many films’ ticket sales this autumn have been suppressed because their casts aren’t allowed to conduct publicity.
Among tentpoles this fall, Songbirds & Snakes holds a unique position because few have been unable to promote with their casts because of the strike. Although Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour did not have a SAG-AFTRA interim agreement, Swift did actively promote the film: she appeared at the film’s October 11 LA premiere at The Grove and shared a few things on social media.
A24’s full slate for Q3 and Q4, which includes Dream Scenario, Dicks the Musical, Priscilla, and Iron Claw, counts SAG-AFTRA interim agreements. Their casts have appeared at premieres for film festivals and events during the awards season.
Some actors are still afraid to do tubthumping, even though films are getting temporary agreements. But these concerns will be significantly allayed if the actors and the AMPTP can work out an agreement soon.
