Stephen Amell won’t support his union amid the ongoing strike, something that limits him from promoting his own show, Heels.
Since it launched a little under three weeks ago, the SAG-AFTRA strike has caught attention in both good and bad ways. And while there has been plenty of negativity between the union and the AMPTP, it’s far more surprising to see those within the union turning against each other. While some of this pertains to the unique exemptions that allow members to work under certain conditions – Sarah Silverman has openly blasted “scabs” who are doing indie projects – some also relates to actors who straight up don’t support the idea of striking. That’s the case with Arrow actor Stephen Amell, who has faced some slack for saying he supports his union but not the strike itself.
While at GalaxyCon in Raleigh, North Carolina over the weekend, Stephen Amell voiced his opinion on the strike, saying, “I feel like I’m insulated in Hollywood because that’s where I live. I feel like a lot of people in this room aren’t aware of the strike…I support my union, I do, and I stand with them but I do not support striking. I don’t.” He added, “I think that it is a reductive negotiating tactic, and I find the entire thing incredibly frustrating. I think that the thinking as it pertains to shows — like this show that I’m on that premiered last night — I think it is myopic, and I stand with my union.”
Of course, before SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher can give him a good talking to, the internet immediately jumped on Stephen Amell for his take, saying if he doesn’t support the strike then he must not support the union. One should note that Amell’s comments come just as the second season of his Starz show Heels premieres, meaning he’s in a position where he can’t promote it as much as he’d like.
In Heels, Stephen Amell plays “heel” (pro wrestling lingo for bad guy) Jack Spade against “face” (good guy) brother Ace, played by Alexander Ludwig.
What do you think of Stephen Amell’s statements regarding the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike? Can you both support unions but not the strike? Give us your take in the comments section below.