HBO
John Oliver began “Last Week Tonight” talking about the end of the SAG-AFTRA strike, but then asked if there was still a need for films.
“The SAG strike is finally over, which means production of films is resuming,” Oliver said on his HBO talk show. He then joked, “Although to be honest, I’m not even sure I need movies anymore.”
The late-night show host said he was captivated by a 17-minute video that describes him as “a hamster Gatsby living his best life.” Oliver then presents the video of a hamster playing around and sliding down a slide.
“It’s an absolute masterpiece,” remarked Oliver.
He then referred to “Barbenheimer” as something he liked and felt “good about,” adding, “To be honest, it’s just not as good as” the hamster video.
Earlier this week, SAG-AFTRA reached an agreement with the studios that ended a 118-day strike. The new three-year deal would allow actors to get back to work and revitalize Hollywood to restart shelved productions.
After the agreement, SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher said: “We got the protection we needed in AI.” We got the funding we needed for the new revenue stream. Those were the two biggest standout pieces.”
“It was really important to us that we got the protection that we felt we absolutely needed to sustain this contract through the next one,” she added. “I mean, there are still things we are already working on for the next contract, but this one has so many milestones.”