The Writers Guild of America strike in 2023 has had a significant impact on the entertainment industry, with many film and television projects being shut down or postponed. One area that has been particularly affected is the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), with several upcoming projects facing delays and uncertainty due to the strike.

The DCEU has been expanding rapidly in recent years, with a number of highly anticipated projects in the works. However, with the WGA strike causing many writers to walk off the job, it remains to be seen how these projects will be affected. Some of the most notable upcoming DCEU projects include “The Flash,” “Aquaman 2,” and “Shazam! Fury of the Gods,” all of which have been impacted by the strike.

One of the main concerns for fans of the DCEU is whether the strike will result in delays or changes to the release schedule for these projects. With so much uncertainty surrounding the strike, it is difficult to predict exactly how things will play out. However, one thing is clear: the WGA strike is likely to have a significant impact on the future of the DCEU, and fans will be watching closely to see how things develop.

Understanding the WGA Strikes

The Writers Guild of America (WGA) has announced its first strike in 15 years, which will affect the film and television industry in a significant way. The strike was initiated after the WGA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) failed to reach agreements over multiple issues, including policies on the use of AI-generated content, better working conditions at streaming companies, and pay raises.

The WGA is a labor union representing writers in the motion picture, broadcast, cable, and new media industries. The union negotiates and enforces collective bargaining agreements that protect the rights of its members and ensure fair compensation for their work. The WGA has been in negotiations with the AMPTP since March 2023, but the two sides have been unable to reach an agreement.

The strike will affect all aspects of the entertainment industry, from film and television production to late-night talk shows. The WGA has instructed its members to stop working on all projects covered by the guild’s collective bargaining agreement, which includes most major film and television productions. The strike is expected to last for an indefinite period, until the WGA and the AMPTP can reach an agreement.

The strike will have a significant impact on the entertainment industry, with many film and television projects being put on hold or delayed. The DCEU, in particular, is likely to be affected by the strike, as many of its upcoming projects are currently in development or pre-production. It is unclear how long the strike will last or what impact it will have on the release dates of upcoming DCEU projects.

Impact on DCEU Projects

The ongoing WGA strike is expected to have a significant impact on upcoming DCEU projects. Here are some of the potential effects:

Potential Delays

The strike has already caused delays in several productions, and it is likely that DCEU projects will be affected as well. For example, “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” was originally scheduled for release on December 20, 2022, but it has been pushed back to December 16, 2023, due to the strike [1]. If the strike continues, more delays are expected.

Script Changes

During a strike, writers are not allowed to work on any projects covered by the WGA, which means that DCEU scripts may need to be revised or rewritten by non-union writers. This could lead to changes in the plot, characters, or dialogue, which could affect the quality of the final product.

Budget Constraints

The strike could also lead to budget constraints for DCEU projects. If a project is delayed or needs to be rewritten, it could result in additional costs for the studio. Furthermore, if the strike continues for an extended period, it could lead to a shortage of new content, which could impact the studio’s revenue.

Overall, the WGA strike is expected to have a significant impact on the DCEU. While the full extent of the effects is not yet known, it is clear that delays, script changes, and budget constraints are all potential issues that the studio will need to address.

Comparing Past and Present Strikes

2007-2008 WGA Strike

In 2007, the Writers Guild of America (WGA) went on strike for 100 days, causing significant disruptions in the entertainment industry. The strike resulted in losses of an estimated $2.5 billion for the industry and affected the production of numerous TV shows and movies.

During the strike, the WGA demanded better compensation for their work in the digital age, including higher residuals for online content. The strike ended with a new agreement that included some of the writers’ demands, such as increased residuals for digital content.

2023 WGA Strike

The current WGA strike, which began in April 2023, has lasted for over 140 days and is the longest strike in Hollywood history. The strike has caused significant disruptions in the industry, with many TV shows and movies being delayed or canceled.

The WGA is demanding better compensation for their work, including higher pay and better benefits. They are also seeking better working conditions, such as shorter work hours and more time off.

The strike has had a significant impact on the entertainment industry, with losses estimated to be in the billions of dollars. As negotiations continue, it remains to be seen what kind of agreement will be reached between the WGA and the studios.

Overall, while there are similarities between the 2007-2008 strike and the current strike, the issues at stake are different. The current strike is focused on improving working conditions and compensation, while the previous strike was more focused on digital rights.

Possible Outcomes for DCEU

Short-Term Effects

The WGA strike that began on May 1, 2023, has already caused significant disruptions in the entertainment industry, and the DCEU is no exception. As a result of the strike, several DCEU productions have been put on hold, including Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, which was scheduled to release on December 20, 2023 ¹.

The immediate impact of the strike on the DCEU will be the delay of upcoming projects. This will result in a loss of revenue for the studios, as well as for the actors and crew members who are involved in these productions. The delay could also have a ripple effect on the release dates of future DCEU films.

Long-Term Effects

If the strike continues for an extended period, it could have long-term effects on the DCEU. One of the primary concerns is the possibility that the studios may decide to cancel or postpone future DCEU projects altogether. This could result in a significant loss of revenue for the studios, as well as a loss of job opportunities for actors and crew members.

Another potential long-term effect of the strike is that it could lead to changes in the way studios negotiate contracts with writers. The strike is primarily about residuals, which are payments made to writers for the reuse of their work ². If the strike results in changes to the way residuals are calculated and paid, it could have a significant impact on the way studios do business with writers in the future.

In the worst-case scenario, the strike could result in a permanent rift between the studios and the writers’ union. This could lead to a situation where writers refuse to work for the studios, or the studios refuse to hire union writers. Such a scenario would be detrimental to both parties and could have far-reaching consequences for the entertainment industry as a whole.

Overall, the long-term effects of the WGA strike on the DCEU are difficult to predict. However, it is clear that the strike will have a significant impact on the industry, and the studios and writers’ union will need to come to an agreement soon to avoid further disruptions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the WGA strike has caused massive disruptions in the entertainment industry, including the DCEU. While some projects like “The Flash” and “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” have already completed filming, others like “Batgirl” and “Black Canary” are still in pre-production. The strike has caused delays and uncertainty for these projects, but it remains to be seen how much of an impact it will ultimately have.

One thing is clear: the strike has highlighted the importance of writers in the entertainment industry. Without them, there would be no scripts, no stories, and no movies or TV shows to watch. The WGA has fought hard for better pay, better working conditions, and better recognition for their members, and this strike is just one part of that ongoing struggle.

As negotiations continue and the strike comes to an end, it will be interesting to see how the DCEU and other studios respond. Will they make concessions to the writers, or will they continue to prioritize profits over people? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the WGA strike has brought attention to the issues facing writers in Hollywood, and it’s up to all of us to support them in their fight for fair treatment and recognition.