The SAG strike, which came to a tentative end on Wednesday at midnight, brought about a swift response from actor Timothée Chalamet. Now liberated from strike rules, he wasted no time in promoting his upcoming movie in a teaser for this weekend’s new episode of “Saturday Night Live,” which he is set to host.
In the teaser clip released on Thursday, Chalamet amusingly interrupts “SNL” cast member Bowen Yang, exclaiming, “Willy Wonka! …Sorry, the actors’ strike just ended and I can finally promote my movie.”
As Yang attempts to congratulate him, Chalamet playfully interrupts again, humorously stating, “Willy Wonka! Chocolate. Chocolate man… Willy Wonka… Chocolate.”
Chalamet takes on the role of the iconic chocolatier in the movie musical “Wonka,” scheduled for release next month. However, he had been prevented from promoting the film due to the strict strike rules imposed by SAG (Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists).
During the strike, union actors were prohibited from engaging in on-camera work, background acting, narration, stand-ins, fittings, rehearsals, auditions, and promotional activities related to their contracted work. This included press tours, social media posts, and “personal appearances.”
The strike began in July when 160,000 actors joined the ongoing Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike after the union failed to reach a contract agreement with major studios and streaming platforms. The strikes caused significant disruptions in the entertainment industry, leading to job losses and suspending production activities for months.
On Wednesday, SAG-AFTRA, the union representing Hollywood actors and performers, announced a tentative agreement with major film and television studios, effectively ending the longest actors’ strike in history. The strike officially concluded at midnight on Wednesday, pending ratification by the union’s members.
Chalamet is scheduled to host “Saturday Night Live” this weekend, marking his second time hosting the show, with his previous appearance occurring in December 2020. The musical guest for the episode will be Boygenius.