The pressure is on for several Hollywood stars to gracefully withdraw from the next season of Dancing with the Stars.
Strikers from the Writers Guild of America were on the picket line early Wednesday morning with signs calling for Oscar winner Mira Sorvino, American Pie actress Alyson Hannigan and Veep star Matt Walsh.
They want the trio to withdraw from competition before next Tuesday’s debut, according to Deadline.
“The WGA respects all writing, whether it’s a single writer on a feature film with 500 people or a single writer on a TV show with 500 people, it doesn’t matter to us and we’re going to protect the writing at all levels,” one writer on the picket told the outlet.
The notable writer further states, “Dancing with the Stars is a WGA signature show. There shouldn’t be any shooting at this time.
“ABC doesn’t have a fall lineup, from a narrative standpoint, because they chose to impose this strike on us,” they explained.
“So we want to disrupt all of their programming as much as possible so that they come back to the table with a reasonable offer,” the source added.
Walsh, 37, was greeted with a sign reading “Matt Walsh, don’t dance like a fool!” WGA pickets Dancing with the Stars and BBC Studios in Los Angeles.
One sign pointing to Sorvino, 55, read: “Mira Sorvino, don’t cross the picket line,” and another focused on Hannigan demanded: “Alyson Hannigan, Support Editors!”
Social media posts further explained the WGA’s resistance to production starting with the new season.
Writer David Slack called out the show and other stars willing to participate, writing, “Dancing with the Stars is a show covered by the WGA. Its writers are on strike and they can’t make the series without writing scabs.
In addition to Sorvino, Walsh and Hannigan, he called on Alfonso Ribeiro, Julianne Hough, Derek Hough and Jason Mraz to refuse to cross the picket line.
The Law and Order author claimed that by appearing on DWTS it would “encourage AMPTP to refuse to make deals while waiting to see if writing scabs works…this makes the strike longer, keeping all other Hollywood teams out of the way.” of work’
Two unions: The pressure is particularly intense for Matt Walsh, 37, a member of both SAG/AFTRA and the WGA. He was greeted with a sign reading “Matt Walsh, Don’t Dance Like a Yellow!” » WGA pickets Dancing with the Stars and BBC Studios in Los Angeles (photo from September 18 in Los Angeles)
Picket line: A sign pointing to Sorvino, 55, on Wednesday read: “Mira Sorvino does not cross the picket line” (photo from September 18 in Los Angeles)
Support: A picket sign focused on Hannigan demanded: “Alyson Hannigan, support the writers!” » (Photo on September 16 in Los Angeles)
Production: “Dancing with the Stars is a show signed by the WGA. We shouldn’t be filming right now,” said one notable writer.
Negotiations: Negotiations between Hollywood studios and the WGA were to resume on Wednesday. This is the first time actors and writers have been on strike since 1960. Both unions are demanding higher pay and protections regarding the use of artificial intelligence.
The writers have been unemployed since May 2, when their contracts with the major studios ended.
They were joined by members of SAG/AFTRA in mid-July after contract negotiations between the actors’ union and the studios failed to reach an agreement.
This is the first time the two unions have struck together since 1960.
Negotiations on the WGA contract were scheduled to resume Wednesday.
This is the first meeting scheduled since August 18.
Among their demands, the authors call for higher compensation and protections regarding the use of artificial intelligence.
In addition to being a member of the actors union, Walsh is also a member of the WGA.
Don’t Cross: Writer David Slack called out the show and other stars willing to participate, writing, “Dancing With the Stars is a show covered by the WGA.” Its writers are on strike and they can’t make the series without writing scabs.
Teams: In addition to Sorvino, Walsh and Hannigan, he called out Alfonso Ribeiro, Julianne Hough, Derek Hough and Jason Mraz for refusing to cross the picket line, saying “it makes the strike longer, keeping all the other Hollywood teams out of the way.” work’
Putting individual pressure on him, as well as Sorvino and Hannigan, might get the desired reaction, as it has worked many times in the recent past.
Bill Maher, host of HBO’s Real Time with Bill Maher, has reversed his decision to begin production on the talk show.
In an announcement on Twitter/X, he explained that the new negotiations were the reason he decided to reverse his position.
“My decision to return to work was made when it seemed like nothing was happening and there was no end in sight to this strike. Now that both sides have agreed to return to the negotiating table, I will delay the return of real time, for now, and hope that they can finally achieve this.
Drew Barrymore, Jennifer Hudson and The Talk also postponed their new seasons after grassroots outcry.
The View and Live with Kelly and Mark are back on the airwaves.