Joaquin Phoenix & Rooney Mara Movie ‘The Island’ Shut Down On Eve Of Shoot As Indie Movie Sector Faces Insurance Crisis Over SAG-AFTRA Strike Fears
deadline.comEXCLUSIVE: In a seismic development for the indie film sector, bond companies are refusing to insure movies ahead of a potential SAG-AFTRA strike from July 1.
This eventuality has been bubbling for a little while but the first known casualty of this is a high-profile case. Oscar winner Pawel Pawlikowski’s The Island, set to star Oscar winner Joaquin Phoenix (Joker) and Oscar nominee Rooney Mara (Carol), was due to get underway this month with the actors on location in Spain and ready to roll.
However, we understand threat of a potential SAG-AFTRA strike — on top of the ongoing WGA strike and potential DGA action — has spooked bond companies and The Island filmmakers were told on the eve of shoot that the movie couldn’t be insured, leading to their two stars (both SAG-AFTRA members) having to return home, and the project being put on hold until further notice.
We understand talent, financiers and producers remain fully committed to the project but when it can start up again remains to be seen.
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