The actors and writers for the show Arrow on The CW showed their support towards WGA/SAG-AFTRA at Warner Bros. in Burbank, CA today. This is the first two-union strike in Hollywood since 1960. Those in attendance included,” …executive producer Marc Guggenheim, the bustling reunion brought out show stars including Katie Cassidy, Willa Holland, Katrina Law, Brandon Routh, Caity Lotz as well as Juliana Harkavy and showrunners including Beth Schwartz and Wendy Mericle as well as fellow CW writer-producers Caroline Dries (Batwoman) and Nkechi Okoro Carroll (All American), among others” according to The Hollywood Reporter.
In addition to showing their support to the striking guilds, the writers and stars of the show gathered to raise funds for struggling members of WGA/SAG-AFTRA through the Union Solidarity Coalition. Warner Brothers produced all eight seasons of Arrow, as well as the show’s spin offs, including Supergirl, The Flash, Batwoman, and DC’s Legends of Tomorrow. During the strike, a tent was set up at the central gate at the studio where an auction took place. According to The Hollywood Reporter, “… the auction featured a cast-signed pilot script and custom bucket hats that showed support for both the Writers Guild of America and performers union SAG-AFTRA.”
In late July, Arrow star Stephen Amell, who plays Oliver Queen in the show, shared his disapproval of the strike. Amell’s remarks on the matter, according to The Hollywood Reporter, included, “he did not support striking and thought it was a reductive negotiating tactic.” Those comments have since been taken back by Amell as he claimed the statements were misinterpreted. During today’s strike outside of Warner Bros. Amell was noticeably missing, but Guggenheim spoke in the actor’s defense stating Amell was in New York supporting former co-star Colin Donnell (Chicago Med), on Broadway. Amell was also said to have picketed outside of Warner Bros. Discovery offices in New York today to show his support.
The WGA and AMPTP will meet today to see if an agreement can be reached after an unsuccessful sit-down last week. The strike for writers has reached over 100 days.