Viola Davis said that she does ‘not feel that it would be appropriate’ to film her movie ‘G20’ during the strike, despite having SAG-AFTRA’s blessing to do so.
Viola Davis says she is opposed to filming her next movie amid the simmering actors’ and writers’ labor strikes — even though she has SAG-AFTRA’s blessing to do so.
The Oscar-winning actor’s move comes amid scrutiny over SAG-AFTRA’s decision to exempt some productions from the strike that are not affiliated with any major studios or streaming platforms. The dispensations have sparked questions in recent days.
Davis released a statement this weekend after her upcoming action-thriller “G20” was among dozens of independent projects granted waivers by the guild to move forward during the strike. Davis is attached to produce and star in the picture, which is partially backed by her company, JuVee Productions.
“I love this movie, but I do not feel that it would be appropriate for this production to move forward during the strike,” Davis said in a statement provided Sunday to the Los Angeles Times.
“I appreciate that the producers on the project agree with this decision. JuVee Productions and I stand in solidarity with actors, SAG/AFTRA and the WGA. “
Because Davis is such a vital part of the project, the current status of “G20” is unclear. When asked whether this means the production will shut down entirely until the strikes are over, Davis’ representative declined to comment further.
Though much of Hollywood has come to a standstill amid the writers’ and actors’ strikes, more than 40 productions have been granted waivers to continue shooting during the mass work stoppage. But whether actors are crossing a picket line by participating in those productions has become a point of contention in the industry.
