Posted in: Arrow, CW, Preview, TV | Tagged: arrow, arrowverse, SAG-AFTRA, stephen amell, the cw, wga

Arrow Reunion Picket Set for Next Friday: Will Stephen Amell Show?

Writer & EP Beth Schwartz put the word out about the Arrow Reunion Picket set for Friday, August 11th - but will Stephen Amell attend?

As Stephen Amell (Arrow, Heels) continues damage control regarding the fallout from his comments at a recent convention appearance where he stated, "I do not support striking" in response to the ongoing SAG-AFTRA & WGA strikes, Arrow Writer & Executive Producer Beth Schwartz (DC's Legends of Tomorrow) has some big strike news to announce. On Friday, August 11th, the call has gone out to writers, actors & fans of the series to join the "Arrow" Reunion Picket at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, California, from 9 am – 11 am PT. There will also be a limited number of Arrow bucket hats for purchase, with all proceeds going to "healthcare for industry crewmembers through the Union Solidarity Coalition." Of course, the obvious question that everyone wants an answer to is if Amell will be attending…

Here's a look at Schwartz's tweet getting the official word out about next Friday, August 11th:

Arrow Star Stephen Amell & His SAG-AFTRA Week

In the following clip from Amell's virtual visit to the offices of TMZ, Amell continued his attempts to clarify how he reconciles supporting SAG-AFTRA while not supporting the strike. Interestingly enough, Amell doesn't address why not being in favor if the strike would equate to publically downplaying its effectiveness as a negotiating tool. In addition, nothing in the clip covers how Amell would handle dealing with studio & streaming reps who refuse to return to the negotiating table – how he would get them to change their minds.

Here's a look at Amell's Instagram post from Tuesday offering a statement on the matter – followed by a look at the full text:

Understandably, there has been a lot of reaction to the comments I made this weekend about our strike. To ensure there is no misunderstanding about my thoughts and intentions I'm providing what I actually said and clarity/context to ensure my feelings aren't unintentionally misinterpreted. We all know soundbites can be taken out of context and I have too much respect for my fellow union members to not clarify the record.

What I actually said:

1 "I support my union, I do, and I stand with them."

This doesn't need much clarity: My support is unconditional and I stand with them.

What I actually said:

2 "I do not support striking, I don't."

What this means in full context: I understand fundamentally why we're here. My off the cuff use of the word "support" is clearly contradictory to my true feelings and my emphatic statement that I stand with my union. Of course I don't like striking. Nobody does. But we have to do what we have to do.

What I said

3 "I think that it is a reductive negotiating tactic and I find the entire thing incredibly frustrating."

In full context: I'm an actor and I was speaking extemporaneously for over an hour. I emote, but I certainly don't think these issues are simple. Our leadership has an incredibly complicated job and I am grateful for all that they do. Despite some of my terrible early acting work, I assure you, I'm not a robot. From an intellectual perspective, I understand why we are striking, but that doesn't mean it isn't emotionally frustrating on many levels for all involved.

4 "I think that thinking as it pertains to shows like the show that I am on that that premiered last night, I think it is myopic"

What I meant: Nothing about the strike is funny but if I may self deprecate for a moment. I have no clue what I was trying to say here and who says, "I think that thinking…?" Perhaps it was an inarticulate shoutout to our crew and cast, who mean the world to me. I'm simply sad that we don't have a chance to celebrate a show that all of us figuratively and I literally, broke my back for.

As I said from the jump, I want to ensure that my thoughts and intentions are not misconstrued. This situation reminds of the proverb, "the road to hell is paved with good intentions," which apparently, after reading a limited amount of the commentary, is a place many of you would like me to visit. However, at least for the foreseeable future, I choose to stand with my union. When you see me on a picket line please don't whip any hard fruit. – Stephen

"I support my union, I do, and I stand with them, but I do not support striking, I don't," Amell shared during a recent convention appearance, offering a differing view from the majority of union members who voted to authorize SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher & leadership to call for a strike. "I think it is a reductive negotiating tactic, and I find the entire thing incredibly frustrating. And I think the thinking as it pertains to shows like the show that I'm on ['Heels'], that premiered last night, I think it's myopic." Here's a look at a video from Amell's session at Galaxycon in Raleigh, NC, offering his thoughts on strikes and how he doesn't find them to be effective negotiating tactics – shared via social media by Pop Crave:

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