Jenna Ortega, the breakout star of Tim Burton‘s hit Netflix series “Wednesday,” has been prohibited from dressing up as her character off-screen due to ongoing strikes in the entertainment industry. The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Radio and Television Artists (SAG-AFTRA) recently issued guidelines stating that actors should not dress up as characters from productions affected by the strikes, including Ortega’s iconic portrayal of Wednesday Addams.
The strikes, which began in May and have caused major disruptions in the industry, were initiated by the Writers’ Guild of America (WGA) and have received support from SAG-AFTRA.
The strikes have resulted in a dual work stoppage, halting the production of numerous films and television shows and costing the industry billions of dollars. As a result, SAG-AFTRA has released guidelines on Halloween costumes for its members to ensure they adhere to the strike rules.
The union has stated that members should not dress up as characters from struck content but can choose costumes inspired by more generalized characters and figures. Additionally, members are advised not to post photos of costumes inspired by struck content on social media.
Fans are disappointed
The decision to prohibit Ortega from dressing up as Wednesday Addams off-screen has sparked discussion and disappointment among fans. Many had hoped to see the talented actress embrace her character’s iconic look for Halloween. However, it is important to note that these guidelines are part of a larger effort to support the strikes and demonstrate solidarity with the Writers’ Guild of America.
In response to questions about the Halloween guidelines, SAG-AFTRA clarified that the rules were intended to help content creators and members avoid promoting struck work. They emphasized that the guidelines do not apply to anyone’s children and reiterated that the strikes are being carried out for important reasons. The union has been on strike for nearly 100 days, and their number one priority is to achieve their goals.
The strikes have had a significant impact on the entertainment industry, with productions coming to a halt and the economy suffering as a result. While it may be disappointing for fans not to see Jenna Ortega dressed up as Wednesday Addams this Halloween, it is crucial to remember the larger context and support the efforts of those fighting for fair working conditions in the industry.