Loki Season 2 is about to hit the small screens in a few weeks. But despite its nearing release, its main star, Tom Hiddleston, isn’t promoting the new season yet. As the actor participated in the first season’s promotional stints, he seemed dead silent now. So, why is that so?
Hiddleston is again back as the much-loved God of Mischief in Loki Season 2. But compared to the series’ first season, where he took part in its promotions through interviews, stage appearances, and other discussions, nothing is seen from him this time. And by the looks of it, it has something to do with the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) and Writers Guild of America (WGA) strikes.
The writers’ strikes have been ongoing for months now, and it looks like no resolution will be reached yet. This resulted in the delay of several movies and TV series, with no writers to work on the scripts. As part of the SAG-AFTRA’s regulations, its members can’t promote their work while the strike is still happening.
Who is promoting Loki Season 2?
Just like Hiddleston, his co-actors Owen Wilson and Sophia Di Martino can’t promote Loki Season 2.
And aside from SAG-AFTA stars, WGA members will follow suit. This may continue until an agreement is made.
Thankfully, Marvel Studios sent the show’s executive producer Kevin Wright to do the press and promote the new season. In fact, he already attended the recent Destination D23 presentation to talk to the attendees and reveal what Loki would be up to next.
What are the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes about?
SAG-AFTRA and WGA are striking for several reasons, but both demand changes in compensation and protection from the threat of generative AI replacing their works. The writers also want to see minimum staffing requirements for writers’ rooms on TV shows. Alternatively, the actors would like to change the rules when it comes to self-taped auditions.
The strikes are said to be ignited by the massive change brought by the streaming services, resulting in shorter TV seasons and other major shifts that affect the writers' and actors’ residual payments, making it hard for them to earn a living. But if there’s one thing that they’re most worried about, it’s the AI’s ability to make new scripts and replicate actors’ likenesses digitally.
So far, both parties have yet to reach an agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), which represents streamers, networks, and studios in Hollywood. Hopefully, everything will return to normal when a settlement has finally been made. Loki Season 2 will be released on October 6 on Disney+.
