Halloween costume restrictions hit the picket lines as SAG-AFTRA asks members not to dress as characters from struck studios

I wouldn’t expect to see too many striking celebrities dressed up as your favorite characters for Halloween because SAG-AFTRA is asking members to adhere to the organization’s newly released guidelines about the costume-centric holiday. Suppose you’re on the picket line and hope to “celebrate Halloween this year while also staying in solidarity” with the strike. In that case, SAG-AFTRA asks that you “choose costumes inspired by generalized characters and figures (ghost, zombie, spider, etc.).”

The guide also suggests actors “don’t post photos of costumes inspired by struck content to social media,” to help deny promotion for struck studios. If a generalized character doesn’t float your boat, the rules say group members could “dress up as characters from non-struck content, like an animated TV show.”

While SAG-AFTRA frowns on members dressing like Margot Robbie’s Barbie (one of the most popular costume options of 2023, according to Spirit Halloween), they can choose characters from a strike-proof studio like A24. Want to dress like Black Phillip from Robert Eggers’ The VVitch? Go for it! How about Evelyn Wang from Everything Everywhere All At Once? If you can pull it off, rock and roll!

SAG-AFTRA’s Halloween costume guidelines are another way for the group to keep pressure on major studios as negotiations for better working conditions continue. Visibility is paramount to the success of most Hollywood projects. To ask that many of the most recognizable faces in Hollywood limit costume options certainly puts out a vibe.

Do you agree with SAG-AFTRA’s request for strikers not to wear Halloween costumes representing characters from struck studios? Can Heidi Klum expect stiff competition this year as actors think outside the box for an elaborate display of SAG-AFTRA-approved Halloween revelry? I admit I’m more excited than ever to see what strikers come up with while adhering to the guide. Bring on the Avas from Alex Garland’s Ex Machina, Priscilla and Elvis Presley from Sofia Coppola’s Priscilla, and Dani from Ari Aster’s psychedelic horror film Midsommar.

Do you plan to dress up for Halloween this year? I’m still working on my Poison Ivy costume. I will put tiny leaves and flower petals in my beard to compensate for the facial fuzziness. Let us know your Halloween plans in the comments below!