Entertainment

Drew Barrymore, The Talk, Even Bill Maher Reverse Scab Plans Amidst Strikes on September 18, 2023 at 9:02 pm The Hollywood Gossip

Published

1 year ago

September 18, 2023

This summer, we have witnessed entertainment industry event that the world has not seen in generations.

Both the WGA and SAG-AFTRA are striking amidst unthinkable corporate cheating. Executives are paying themselves tens of millions, while using streaming loopholes to pay minuscule residuals to the people who actually make TV and film.

It’s unsustainable. And there are many other issues that desperately need addressing.

Amidst all of this, a few clowns decided to resume their shows — scabbing during the strike. Sadly, Drew Barrymore was among them. Now, at least, she has reversed course and offered a heartfelt apology.

In September of 2023, Drew Barrymore posted an “apology” video to Instagram. She apologized to writers and actors for returning to her show during the historic WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes … but, at the time, still planned to scab. (Instagram)

Please, don’t scab

Last week, The Drew Barrymore Show resumed — an apparent violation of the work stoppage.

Years ago, talk shows could continue in some form during strikes, lining the pockets of networks without their usual content. Those rules have since changed.

Reports came out, describing Barrymore’s security expelling studio audience members who wore strike-related materials.

Patricia Clarkson joins SAG-AFTRA members on the picket line outside of Warner Bros. Discovery on August 10, 2023 in New York. The Emmy Awards have been postponed by almost four months, organizers said Thursday, as crippling strikes by Hollywood’s actors and writers drag on with no resolution in sight. (Getty)

Simply put, the whole point of any sort of strike — such as the one that America’s courageous auto workers recently authorized — is for the people who actually create goods and services and art that generate profit to bargain collectively.

Only a small percentage of actors are millionaires or more. Even a smaller percentage of writers are. The vast majority of SAG-AFTRA actors don’t even make as much as your average first-year teacher.

People who create value should then receive financial compensation for their labor and ingenuity. But with massive companies obsessed with golden parachutes and stockholders, it has become a game of cheating them out of their due.

Drew Barrymore speaks onstage during American Film InstituteÂs 44th Life Achievement Award Gala Tribute show to John Williams at Dolby Theatre on June 9, 2016 (Getty)

We were ALL rooting for you!

Crossing the picket line — literally or metaphorically — hurts strikers. It also, by extension, hurts most Americans.

So when Drew Barrymore, or The Talk, or whatever Bill Maher’s god-awful show is called … when they start filming despite a work stoppage, it helps these corporate behemoths to avoid paying people what they owe them.

In case anyone wondered how valuable actors and writers actually are, Warner Bros Discovery projected a loss of $500 million for 2023. That’s bad, even under Zaslav’s leadership. Agreeing to the guilds’ terms would have cost a fraction of that.

Bill Maher attends the Los Angeles Premiere of LBJ at ArcLight Hollywood on October 24, 2017. (Getty)

No one was rooting for Maher

Long story short, it sucked to hear that Barrymore was filming with scabs instead of her own writers. People felt disappointed in her.

Everyone expected this from Maher. He is a notoriously awful person who will almost invariably take the wrong stance on most issues.

The backlash was intense. And while it was a great opportunity to dunk on Maher, it was a time to bite the bullet and call out Barrymore.

Drew Barrymore attends the 2023 Time100 Gala at Jazz at Lincoln Center on April 26, 2023. (Getty)

Two apologies: a hit and a miss

Late last week, she put out an apology … but did not signal her intent to change course. That was, obviously, not enough.

Now, Barrymore is showing that she has listened to and understood people’s concerns.

“I have listened to everyone, and I am making the decision to pause the show’s premiere until the strike is over,” she wrote on Instagram. Absolutely, it is a good thing that she has listened. We’re sure that many friends reached out to her.

“I have listened to everyone, and I am making the decision to pause the showâs premiere until the strike is over,” Drew Barrymore announced on Instagram, reversing her plans to scab during the historic 2023 WGA/SAG-AFTRA strikes. (Instagram)

“I have no words to express my deepest apologies to anyone I have hurt,” Barrymore continued.

“And, of course,” Barrymore acknowledged, “to our incredible team who works on the show and has made it what it is today.”

Oddly, she wrote: “We really tried to find our way forward.”

John Oliver, winner of the Outstanding Variety Talk Series award for ‘Last Week Tonight with John Oliver’, poses in the press room during the 74th Primetime Emmys. (Getty)

Barrymore affirmed: “And I truly hope for a resolution for the entire industry very soon.”

Previously, she had explained that she was trying to resume work to save the jobs of other people.

For the record, other talk show hosts have formed a podcast, Strike Force Five, to earn money to pay their writers and crews.

Bill Maher often says what’s on his mind. But this has gotten the comedian in trouble a lot over the years. (Getty)

Like we said, a lot of people felt disappointed in Drew Barrymore. Reversing course was the right thing to do, and it’s a relief.

What’s really a sign of the incredible upswell in public opinion is that The Talk and Bill Maher are also reacting to the backlash. Both halted plans to resume business as usual.

As many on social media observed, if Maher is caving, public pressure is an effective tool.

David Zaslav, President and CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, attends a premiere in May 2023. Many have dubbed him “the most hated man” in the entertainment industry, and with good reason. (Getty)

There’s only one group of people who can end these strikes, and they’re executives in charge of some of the biggest entertainment industry corporations on the planet.

Instead, many executives planned vacations for this year. Companies have pushed film releases to next year — to a post-strike time when actors can promote their projects.

They can end the strikes by agreeing to reasonable terms from SAG-AFTRA and the WGA. Instead, it appears from the outside that they’d rather continue to lose money out of spite.

Drew Barrymore, The Talk, Even Bill Maher Reverse Scab Plans Amidst Strikes was originally published on The Hollywood Gossip.

This summer, we have witnessed entertainment industry event that the world has not seen in generations. Both the WGA and …
Drew Barrymore, The Talk, Even Bill Maher Reverse Scab Plans Amidst Strikes was originally published on The Hollywood Gossip.

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Career Growth

“A Simple Favor” Sequel: Cast Reunites at SXSW

Published

2 days ago

March 10, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

The cast of “A Simple Favor” recently reunited at SXSW to discuss the upcoming sequel. The excitement was palpable as they shared insights into revisiting their iconic characters and what audiences can expect from the new installment.

Returning to Familiar Roles

Director Paul Feig expressed his initial hesitation about sequels, stating, “I’ve always shied away from doing a sequel because I think they’re really terrifying, and I haven’t seen many sequels that I like.” However, his love for the characters and the first film’s success on streaming platforms ultimately convinced him to revisit the story.

Anna Kendrick, who plays Stephanie, shared her enthusiasm for embracing a more unkempt version of her character. “I was really excited to play Stephanie but in sneers,” she said, hinting at a humorous evolution for her character.

Blake Lively, returning as the enigmatic Emily, expressed her love for the character, calling her “probably my favorite character I’ve ever been fortunate enough to play.” She also teased a “curveball idea” from Feig that upped the ante and made things “very uncomfortable to watch.”

Glamour and Intrigue in Capri

The sequel takes the characters to the glamorous island of Capri, a setting that Feig was determined to use despite budgetary concerns. Lively raved about the location, saying, “I want to live there, I love it so much…it’s just magical.”

New cast members Alex and Mel also shared their excitement about joining the project and filming in Capri. Mel humorously stated, “Who doesn’t want to get paid to film in Capri while working with Paul [Feig]?”

Spoilers and Twists

The cast was careful to avoid spoilers, emphasizing the many twists and turns in the film. Kendrick jokingly warned, “Stephanie stand the up dude…this is your tormentor, stab her in the neck bro, grow up here.” This comment hints at the complex and potentially dangerous relationship between Stephanie and Emily in the sequel.

A Collaborative Spirit

Andrew Rannells and Bashir Salahuddin, who are also returning for the sequel, praised Feig’s collaborative directing style. Rannells noted that Feig is “very open to letting actors improvise but also knows when to tell them that’s enough.”

Overall, the cast and director conveyed a sense of excitement and camaraderie, promising a sequel that will be both thrilling and hilarious.

Bolanle Media covers a wide range of topics, including film, technology, and culture. Our team creates easy-to-understand articles and news pieces that keep readers informed about the latest trends and events. If you’re looking for press coverage or want to share your story with a wider audience, we’d love to hear from you! Contact us today to discuss how we can help bring your news to life

Career Growth

Issa Rae: Giving Flowers and Calling Out History in “Seen and Heard”

Published

2 days ago

March 10, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

Issa Rae, the creative force behind the groundbreaking series “Insecure,” is back with a new project that’s already generating buzz: “Seen and Heard.” This HBO docu-series is a deep dive into the history of Black television, celebrating the triumphs, acknowledging the struggles, and examining the lasting impact of representation on screen. During a conversation at SXSW, Rae discussed the making of “Seen and Heard,” her early influences, and her complicated relationship with reality TV.

Chronicling Black TV History: A Comprehensive Look

Rae emphasized the importance of creating a “comprehensive, rich history of Black television,” particularly during a time when Black creators are experiencing a renaissance in the industry. The series features interviews with television icons like Oprah Winfrey, Shonda Rhimes, Debbie Allen, Mara Brock Akil and Tyler Perry, who share their personal journeys and insights. Rae credits executive Montrell McKay and director Giselle Bailey for bringing her vision to life. She praised Bailey’s “cinematic” approach, which elevates “Seen and Heard” beyond the typical documentary format.

One of the most impactful aspects of the docu-series is its exploration of how Black audiences were used to build up networks, only to be abandoned later. Rae notes that having creators and showrunners recount this history firsthand makes the experience undeniable and is a critical part of understanding the full picture of Black television’s evolution.

Reality TV: A Villain Origin Story

Rae revealed that reality television played a significant role in shaping her desire to create meaningful content. As a child of the ’90s, she grew up watching shows like “Moesha,” “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” and “A Different World,” which made her feel like she wanted to be a part of the television landscape. However, the rise of reality TV, particularly the portrayal of Black women, left her feeling frustrated and underrepresented.

Rae described her relationship with shows like “Flavor of Love” as “hate-watching.” She explained a specific incident during the show’s second season premiere when a contestant was denied access to the restroom and ended up urinating on the floor on TV. This moment, she said, sparked a realization that “there has to be more than this,” and motivated her to start film blogging and eventually create her own content. Rae even jokingly gives “shout out to my haters” for inspiring her to “make something” instead of just complaining.

“Insecure” and the LA Love Letter

The conversation also touched on the lasting impact of “Insecure,” particularly its connection to Los Angeles. Rae expressed her appreciation for fans who visit landmarks featured in the show, creating their own “Insecure” LA tours. She shared a story about meeting a fan who was introduced to Worldwide Tacos through the show, highlighting how “Insecure” served as a love letter to the city. Ultimately, Rae finds it incredibly rewarding when people tell her that “Insecure” has inspired them to “do their own thing.”

Issa Rae’s “Seen and Heard” promises to be a powerful and insightful exploration of Black television history, filled with both celebration and critical analysis. By examining the past and present of representation on screen, Rae continues to inspire a new generation of storytellers and push the boundaries of what’s possible in television.

Business

The Last of Us” Season 2: Cast and Creators Share Insights at SXSW

Published

3 days ago

March 9, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

The cast and creators of the highly anticipated second season of “The Last of Us” gathered at SXSW to discuss the upcoming season. The panel featured cast members Pedro Pascal (Joel), Bella Ramsey (Ellie), Gabriel Luna (Tommy), Kaitlyn Dever (Abby), Isabela Merced (Dina), and Young Mazino (Jesse), along with co-creators Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin.

Navigating Expectations and Surprising Fans

With the immense success of season one, Druckmann and Mazin acknowledged the pressure to deliver a worthy follow-up. Mazin emphasized their approach to cater to both fans of the game and newcomers to the series. “We try and think about the people who have played the game and make sure that we keep them on their toes and a little bit surprised,” Mazin stated. Druckmann highlighted the emotional weight of adapting “The Last of Us Part II,” emphasizing the dedication of the entire production team to doing justice to the source material.

A Glimpse into Season 2

Attendees were treated to a trailer for season two, offering a glimpse into the evolving relationship between Joel and Ellie five years after the events of the first season. Ramsey described the changed dynamic, hinting at a rift between the characters. Pascal added that their relationship is in “a different place” and that it is “fucking heartbreaking”.

Big Ideas: Tribalism, Love, and Loss

The creators delved into the central themes of season two, including tribalism, the destructive nature of love, and the consequences of loss. Druckmann explained that the season explores the complexities of community and the dehumanization that can occur when groups clash. Mazin emphasized the escalation of these themes, highlighting the potential for isolation and the lengths characters will go to protect their loved ones.

New and Expanded Characters

The panel also touched on new characters and expanded roles in season two. Gabriel Luna discussed Tommy’s evolution into a father, emphasizing how it solidifies his purpose and strengthens his commitment to protecting his family and community. The introduction of new characters like Gail, played by Catherine O’Hara, and the expansion of existing characters like Isaac, played by Jeffrey Wright, promise to add depth and nuance to the narrative. Additionally, the inclusion of Joe Pantoliano as Eugene, a character mentioned but not seen in the game, offers a rewarding experience for longtime fans.

Music as a Binding Force

Music continues to play a significant role in “The Last of Us,” particularly in the relationship between Joel and Ellie. Ramsey shared that music serves as a bonding experience for the characters, mirroring the connection between the actors on set. The guitar, a symbol of Joel’s promise to teach Ellie, takes on a more prominent role in season two.

Diving into the Game

The actors discussed their individual approaches to engaging with the source material. Kaitlyn Dever shared her experience playing the game with her father, while Young Mazino admitted to playing the second game up to a certain point.

How to Find More Free Events

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Whether you’re a badge holder or not, SXSW 2025 offers something for everyone. From delicious food to live music and interactive experiences, there’s no shortage of fun to be had without spending a fortune. So, grab your friends and enjoy the best of Austin without a badge!