British stars join the actors’ strike in Hollywood: On Friday, Brian Cox (77) from “Succession”, Imelda Staunton (67) from “The Crown” and Simon Pegg (53) from “Mission Impossible” took to the streets in London to show solidarity with the SAG-AFTRA union.
Succession star Cox spoke alongside BAFTA winner Rakie Ayola, 55, and Rob Delaney, 46, at the Leicester Square rally, Deadline reported. Other stars such as Naomie Harris (46), Jim Carter (74), Penelope Wilton (77) and Andy Serkis (59) were present.
Speaking to Sky News, Cox said: “This is an important strike happening in the US and we have to support it. We’re going to be under siege next […] mostly by artificial intelligence. This is something that needs to be stopped and nipped in the bud.” Specifically, the actor is calling for legislation in the UK that “tells the AI f*** you.”
“The Crown” actress Imelda Staunton stressed that pay is also an important issue for the industry, but that technological advances have added to fears. “The questions being raised about streaming and AI are all issues that really need to be addressed.” It is a global problem that affects the whole world.
The rallies took place in London’s Leicester Square and Manchester Media City and were organized by the UK actors’ union Equity. The union has made it clear that it has stood in “unwavering solidarity” with SAG-AFTRA since the strike was called.
The American actors’ union SAG-AFTRA called on its members to go on strike eight days ago because they could not agree on a new three-year contract for television and cinema films with the studios and streaming providers. The main topics are therefore artificial intelligence and remuneration through streaming services.
