The Oppenheimer cast will hit the red carpet an hour early at the London premiere as Hollywood actors are set to join the writers’ strike after talks broke down
The London premiere of Christopher Nolan’s film Oppenheimer was brought forward an hour earlier on Thursday to give the cast time to walk the black carpet ahead of the writers’ strike.
The change came at the last minute after the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists announced it had voted in favor of action after a deadline for an agreement had expired.
Lead actor Cillian Murphy joined Emily Blunt, Florence Pugh and Matt Damon on the black carpet in Leicester Square at 5.45pm to avoid a clash.
A slew of Hollywood stars, including Meryl Streep, Jennifer Lawrence and Mark Ruffalo, are poised to rejoin writers on strike for the first time in 60 years.
Thousands of members of the Writers Guild of America have walked out after talks with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers broke down over pay.
The London premiere of Christopher Nolan’s film Oppenheimer was brought forward an hour earlier on Thursday to give the cast time to walk the black carpet ahead of the writer’s strike
Lead actor Cillian Murphy joined Emily Blunt and Florence on the red carpet in Leicester Square at 5.45pm to avoid a clash
At the heart of the argument is the rise of streaming – with the guild claiming that authors’ share of that money has steadily dwindled despite rising budgets.
The untimely clash is a blow to Christopher Nolan, who spent £81m on the production.
Cillian, the star of Peaky Blinders, takes on the role of Dr.
But attending a photocall on Wednesday, Oppenheimer star Matt said while everyone was hoping a strike could be averted, he said many actors need a fair contract to survive.
“We should protect the people who are somehow marginalized,” Damon told the AP.
“And $26,000 a year you have to make to get health insurance.” And there are many people whose balance payments put them above that threshold.
“And when those back payments dry up, so does their health care.” And that’s absolutely unacceptable. We can’t have that. So we have to find something that is fair.”
Attending a photocall on Wednesday, Oppenheimer star Matt said that while everyone hoped a strike could be averted, many actors needed a fair contract to survive
Florence Pugh made a daring entrance in a burnt orange plunging dress
Actors and comedians Tina Fey (center) and Fred Armisen (right) join striking members of the Writers Guild of America at the strike line in New York in May
Raised reviews: Oppenheimer features an all-star cast and is led by Cillian Murphy, who plays theoretical physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer, who helped design the bomb
It is the first time since 1960 that actors and writers demonstrate film and television productions.
Members of the Writers Guild of America have been on strike since early May to slow production of film and television series on both coasts and in production centers like Atlanta.
A spokesman for SAG said: “After more than four weeks of negotiations, the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) – the entity representing major studios and streamers including Amazon, Apple, Disney, NBCUniversal, Netflix, Paramount and Sony. and Warner Bros. Discovery – remain unwilling to offer a fair deal on key issues of concern to Sag Aftra members.
“Companies have refused to get involved in some areas in a meaningful way, while others have completely blocked us.
“Until they negotiate in good faith, we cannot reach an agreement.”
“We have no choice but to move forward together and on behalf of our members with a strike recommendation to our National Executive.”
“The board will discuss the issue this morning and make its decision.”
Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer: What do the critics think?
Robbie Collin from the Telegraph
“I’m torn between being shy and secretive about Oppenheimer and just coming out and saying it’s absolute banger.”
Vulture film critic Bilge Ebiri
“OPPENHEIMER is…amazing.” “A relentlessly fast, insanely detailed and complex historical drama that just keeps growing until Nolan brings the gavel down in the most amazing and harrowing way.”
Jonathan Dean of the Sunday Times
“Completely immersed in OPPENHEIMER. “A bold, imaginative and complex film that unsettles its audience.”
Lindsey Bahr, author of the Associated Press film
“It is truly a spectacular achievement, in its truthful, concise adaptation, imaginative storytelling, and nuanced performances from Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, Robert Downey Jr., Matt Damon, and the many others involved.”
“An epic historical drama but with a distinct Nolan sensibility: suspense, structure, sense of scale, stunning sound design, striking visuals.” Wow.’
“A sign that French audiences loved #Oppenheimer is that they stayed outside the Grand Rex theater to debate it long after the film finished!”