Local

Will Hollywood actors strike keep celebrities from GalaxyCon in Raleigh? What to know.

Visitors flock to the Raleigh Convention Center on Friday, July 28, 2023 for GalaxyCon, an annual 4-day event celebrating comic books, anime, cosplay, and more.
Visitors flock to the Raleigh Convention Center on Friday, July 28, 2023 for GalaxyCon, an annual 4-day event celebrating comic books, anime, cosplay, and more. aconnors@newsobserver.com

Despite the actors strike that crippled Hollywood starting Friday, film and TV celebrities can still appear at the GalaxyCon event coming to Raleigh later this month, convention officials announced.

Attendees of GalaxyCon Raleigh pose for a portrait before heading into the Convention Center Friday afternoon, July 28, 2023.
Attendees of GalaxyCon Raleigh pose for a portrait before heading into the Convention Center Friday afternoon, July 28, 2023. Scott Sharpe ssharpe@newsobserver.com

In a Facebook post, GalaxyCon officials said that actors are able to attend the annual pop-culture convention even though the SAG-AFTRA union called for a strike of all members.

But the labor action may still impact what they can discuss, officials said. Because SAG-AFTRA affects theatrical contacts, actors cannot promote their ongoing work.

Blythe Lkayner as Spider Barbie and Brian Bordeaux as Spider Ken pose outside of GalaxyCon in downtown Raleigh, Friday, July 28, 2023.
Blythe Lkayner as Spider Barbie and Brian Bordeaux as Spider Ken pose outside of GalaxyCon in downtown Raleigh, Friday, July 28, 2023. Scott Sharpe ssharpe@newsobserver.com

Conventions like next week’s Comic-Con in San Diego, in which lots of panels discuss new projects, will likely see much bigger impacts.

GalaxyCon runs from July 27-30 at the Raleigh Convention Center downtown, featuring appearances from dozens of sci-fi, fantasy, music, wrestling and other genre stars.

Sisters Shanti (left) and Sonia Lino from Creedmoor pose outside GalaxyCon Raleigh, Friday, July 29, 2023.
Sisters Shanti (left) and Sonia Lino from Creedmoor pose outside GalaxyCon Raleigh, Friday, July 29, 2023. Scott Sharpe ssharpe@newsobserver.com

The strike declaration comes after a breakdown in contract talks between actors and major studios.

“So while they may not be able to talk about current projects, they can still discuss their personal life, hobbies, background, etc with you!” according to the GalaxyCon post.

Visitors flock to the Raleigh Convention Center on Friday, July 28, 2023 for GalaxyCon, an annual 4-day event celebrating comic books, anime, cosplay, and more.
Visitors flock to the Raleigh Convention Center on Friday, July 28, 2023 for GalaxyCon, an annual 4-day event celebrating comic books, anime, cosplay, and more. Anna Connors aconnors@newsobserver.com

Hollywood writers already have been striking for two months.

Ellie Ochman poses for a portrait outside of GalaxyCon Raleigh, Friday, July 28, 2023.
Ellie Ochman poses for a portrait outside of GalaxyCon Raleigh, Friday, July 28, 2023. Scott Sharpe ssharpe@newsobserver.com

This story was originally published July 14, 2023 at 12:06 PM with the headline "Will Hollywood actors strike keep celebrities from GalaxyCon in Raleigh? What to know.."

Josh Shaffer
The News & Observer
Josh Shaffer is a general assignment reporter on the watch for “talkers,” which are stories you might discuss around a water cooler. He has worked for The News & Observer since 2004 and writes a column about unusual people and places.
Get unlimited digital access
#ReadLocal

Try 1 month for $1

CLAIM OFFER