Community Movie Delayed By 2023 WGA Strike, Joel McHale Confirms
It's been an arduous wait for six seasons and a movie, and it looks like we're going to have to wait some more.
The Writers Guild of America West and East have entered their second week of strike action as writers across the country rally to defend their profession, which is being crushed under the weight of media conglomerates.
Thousands have taken to the streets to demand higher pay, a comprehensive workflow that includes input at all stages of production, and regulation of artificial intelligence.
While the cause is undoubtedly noble, as good working conditions translate into good writing, the consequence has been the indefinite suspension of numerous TV shows and film productions. Fans of Dan Harmon's work are mourning this development, as the long-awaited film sequel to the cult sitcom Community has regrettably been placed on hiatus. Let them finish!
Community gained cult status during and after its run, amassing a vast fanbase thanks to its abundant pop culture references, sharp and occasionally surreal humour, and recurring gags. Regrettably, after all these years, fans have seemingly grown accustomed to the perpetual wait. Joel McHale suggests that the wait will continue.
On 5 May, the actor, who portrayed the narcissistic, nerdy straight-man Jeff, shared his thoughts about the strike and the potential future awaiting Community with Collider.
'I don't say this lightly, but I stand with the WGA, and there’s no doubt that pay has gone down 23% since 2007, and that needs to change,' he said. Though not a writer himself, McHale is renowned for his activism and philanthropy in support of various marginalised groups, so it should come as no surprise that he has voiced support for this year's strike.
As for the upcoming movie, he was succinct and to the point, 'I'm not exactly sure, but I’m guessing it’s not going to start on time.'
By November, the screenwriters had already drafted the plot, with filming initially slated to begin in June 2023. However, it seems unlikely to commence until the AMPTP has met all the writers' demands.
But don't panic; regardless of how long it might take, the movie is coming sooner or later, and in the end, whenever that might be, the expression 'six seasons and the movie' will no longer be a bitter joke. Cool, cool, cool, cool!
Source: Collider.