Warner Bros Discovery has issued a warning that ongoing strikes by Hollywood writers and actors could impact the timing of its film releases and its ability to produce and deliver content. The studio expects members of the Writers Guild of America and the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) to return to work in early September, but sources indicate this prediction may be overly optimistic, given the tense atmosphere on the picket lines.
The strikes have disrupted the production of scripted series for the upcoming fall TV season and have halted work on films, with workers battling over pay in the streaming era. The situation has prevented SAG actors from promoting their upcoming films, potentially delaying fall releases. Toymaker Hasbro has also acknowledged the impact of the strike on its business.
The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, representing major studios including Warner Bros Discovery, has requested a meeting with the writers’ guild to discuss the possibility of resuming talks. The writers have been on strike since May 2.
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Meanwhile, SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher has appeared at picket lines in New York, expressing the guild’s determination not to compromise in their negotiations.
In the second quarter, Warner Bros Discovery’s revenue was affected by soft box office results, including the underperformance of the DC Comics-inspired film, The Flash. Studio revenue fell short of estimates due to these challenges. The company has experienced success with the theatrical release of its Barbie film but other features and dramas are on hold until negotiations with the striking unions pick up again.
