Tom Cruise Wants Actors To Keep Working During The Strike

In the world of Hollywood, there are few names as big as Tom Cruise. Known for his roles in blockbuster films like Mission: Impossible, Cruise has made a name for himself as a powerhouse actor and producer. But recently, he’s been making headlines for a different reason. Amidst the ongoing Screen Actors Guild (SAG) strike, Cruise has been advocating for actors to continue working, particularly in promoting their work.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Cruise participated in a Zoom call in June to try and broker a deal between the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers and SAG-AFTRA. He stressed that the theatre industry was in a “fragile state” post-pandemic and reminded the guild that promotion helps out actors as well as studios.

The SAG Strike and Tom Cruise’s Involvement

Credit: Paramount

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The SAG strike, which officially began on July 14, has resulted in a near-complete work stoppage in Hollywood. Actors and writers are on strike, and other unions like the teamsters are refusing to cross picket lines in solidarity. This has led to delays and pushbacks for numerous projects, including the next season of Stranger Things and Cruise’s own Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part Two.

Cruise was apparently the only celebrity of his calibre to participate directly in pre-strike negotiations. While he was firmly in the union’s camp when it came to other topics discussed on the call, such as better working conditions for stunt performers and the use of AI, his suggestion that actors be allowed to continue promoting projects during a strike was met with less enthusiasm.

The Controversy Around Promotion During a Strike

Credit: Paramount

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SAG-AFTRA’s strict rules on strike etiquette insist that promotion, including publicity tours, interviews, convention appearances, and even social media posts, for struck work/companies is a huge no-no during a work stoppage. Cruise’s pleas for actors to continue promoting their work during the strike made some feel “uncomfortable.”

Studios have already approached content creators on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram to make paid content to advertise their upcoming projects—a dubious workaround that makes it even odder that Cruise would shill for the AMPTP on this particular issue.

The Impact of the Strike on Hollywood

Credit: Paramount Pictures

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With actors and writers on strike and other unions refusing to cross picket lines in solidarity, Hollywood is looking at what pretty much amounts to a complete work stoppage. Everything from the next season of Stranger Things to Cruise’s own Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part Two has been delayed and pushed back thanks to the strikes.

Despite the strike, Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, currently in theatres, brought in $235 million worldwide over the weekend, proving that the film is capable of making bank even without Tom Cruise actively promoting it.

Final Thoughts On Tom Cruise Trying To Get Actors To Work During The Strike

Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

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Tom Cruise’s involvement in the SAG strike negotiations and his advocacy for actors to continue promoting their work during the strike has certainly stirred up controversy. However, it also highlights the complexities and challenges facing the film industry in these unprecedented times.

As the strike continues, it remains to be seen what impact it will have on Hollywood and how the industry will adapt. One thing is for sure, though: with big names like Tom Cruise involved, the world will be watching closely.

What do you make of this news? Do you think that Tom Cruise is right to try and convince actors to work during the actors’ strike? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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