UPDATE: ‘The Chosen’ Fans Celebrate As Series Granted Exemption From Actors Strike

The “worst case scenario,” said Jenkins, is that “we have already filmed everything from the first four episodes, so even if the remainder of filming is delayed, the editing and release of the first four won’t be.” The show is expected to come out in 2024, although the show’s creators have not yet announced a release date.

SAG-AFTRA is a union that represents actors and performers. In a statement to members, union president Fran Drescher (“The Nanny”) and National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland said:

As you know, over the past decade, your compensation has been severely eroded by the rise of the streaming ecosystem. Furthermore, artificial intelligence poses an existential threat to creative professions, and all actors and performers deserve contract language that protects them from having their identity and talent exploited without consent and pay. Despite our team’s dedication to advocating on your behalf, the AMPTP has refused to acknowledge that enormous shifts in the industry and economy have had a detrimental impact on those who perform labor for the studios.

AMPTP has said it is “deeply disappointed” that SAG-AFTRA is no longer negotiating and that “the Union has regrettably chosen a path that will lead to financial hardship for countless thousands of people who depend on the industry.”

This is the first time since 1960 (when Ronald Reagan headed the Screen Actors Guild) that the actors and writers unions have been on strike at the same time. The strikes mean that production on Hollywood shows is essentially shut down. After walking the red carpet Thursday, the cast of “Oppenheimer” showed support for the actors strike by walking out of the movie’s premiere before watching the film.

Regarding the delay in filming “The Chosen,” Jenkins said, “Yes, it’s upsetting and will cost time and money, but we bring our five loaves and two fish. God handles the rest.”