Despite the writers’ and actors’ strikes causing a halt in Hollywood, one HBO series, “House of the Dragon,” will continue filming as scheduled. This is because the cast of the “Game of Thrones” prequel consists mainly of U.K.-based actors who are governed by their local union, Equity. Due to this, Equity members cannot legally strike in solidarity with their U.S. counterpart, SAG-AFTRA.
Equity issued a statement on Thursday, pledging to support SAG-AFTRA “by all lawful means.” However, they emphasized that SAG-AFTRA members under a collective bargaining agreement with Equity should continue working.
In a separate statement, Equity’s General Secretary, Paul W. Fleming, expressed full support for their sister union, SAG-AFTRA. However, he acknowledged that SAG-AFTRA’s strike is lawful in the United States but not under United Kingdom law. Therefore, performers in the U.K. who join the strike or refuse to cross picket lines will not be protected against dismissal or legal action.
“House of the Dragon” premiered on HBO last year and received mixed reviews. It is based on George R.R. Martin’s novel “Fire & Blood” and features a cast of talented actors, including Emma D’Arcy, Matt Smith, Olivia Cooke, Rhys Ifans, and Steve Toussaint.
While plans for a second “Game of Thrones” prequel series, “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight,” were announced, production on that show will be delayed due to the Writers Guild of America strike.