No Barbies, please: SAG-AFTRA encourages ‘generalized characters’ for striking actors’ Halloween costumes

Expect some of Hollywood’s actors to dress as ghouls, ghosts and other “generalized characters” galore this Halloween, after SAG-AFTRA issued guidance on “strike-friendly” costumes.

The “tips and tricks” for Halloween released this week by SAG-AFTRA, the union representing many actors in Hollywood, comes as the group’s strike of film studios stretches on for a third month.

The union, which has more than 160,000 members, has been on strike since July for higher wages and better compensation for streaming productions.

The guild recommended that its members “choose costumes inspired by generalized characters and figures,” such as a “ghost, zombie, spider.”

Blockbuster movie-inspired get-ups, such as outfits from “Barbie” or “Oppenheimer,” are a no-no, according to the union: “Don’t post photos of costumes inspired by struck content to social media.”

Instead, SAG-AFTRA suggested that Halloween revelers who are on strike “dress up as characters from non-struck content, like an animated TV show.”

“Let’s use our collective power to send a loud and clear message to our struck employers that we will not promote their content without a fair contract!” the group said in a post on its website.