The devastating wildfires sweeping through Los Angeles have caused significant disruptions to the entertainment industry, leading to the cancellation of several high-profile premieres and events. From the AFI Awards Luncheon to the BAFTA Tea Party, the impact of these fires is being felt across the city.
"The Pitt" Premiere Postponed
One of the most anticipated premieres, “The Pitt,” Starring Noah Wyle as an emergency room doctor, the Max series was scheduled to debut on Wednesday, capturing the intensity of a single shift at a Pittsburgh hospital. Unfortunately, due to the wildfires, the premiere has been postponed indefinitely.
"Better Man" Canceled
Paramount Pictures announced the cancellation of the LA premiere for “Better Man,” a musical featuring pop star Robbie Williams as a CGI chimp. The premiere was set to take place on the Paramount lot but had to be called off due to the dangerous conditions. A spokesperson for Paramount expressed their concern for those affected by the wildfires, urging everyone to prioritize safety.
"Unstoppable" Red Carpet Event Axed
The red carpet event for “Unstoppable,” featuring stars like Jharrel Jerome and Jennifer Lopez, was also scrapped amid the rising flames. The event was scheduled for Tuesday, the day the fires escalated. The film's subject, Anthony Robles, and his mother were expected to attend, adding a personal touch to the event that now will not take place.
"Wolf Man" Premiere on Hold
Universal’s upcoming horror film “Wolf Man,” starring Julia Garner and Christopher Abbott, was set to have its world premiere at the TCL Chinese Theatre on Tuesday. However, similar to other events, the premiere was canceled due to safety concerns surrounding the wildfires. The film is still slated for a nationwide release on January 17, but the premiere's future remains uncertain.
SAG Awards Nominations Announcement Changes
While the wildfires did not stop the announcement of the SAG Awards nominations, they did alter the format. Originally planned as a live in-person event, the announcement was made via press release instead, with the Screen Actors Guild prioritizing the safety of guests and staff. The SAG Awards ceremony is still expected to go ahead on February 23, with hopes for a safe celebration of the year’s best performances.
Production Halts on Major Series
In light of the fires, Universal Studio Groups has paused production on multiple series, including Max’s “Hacks” and Peacock’s upcoming “Suits: LA.” Filming was taking place on Universal’s lower lot, which has been closed for safety reasons. This halt in production reflects the broader impact of the fires on the industry.
As Los Angeles grapples with these challenging circumstances, the entertainment community is uniting in support of those affected. The hope is that safety measures will prevail, and normalcy can return to Hollywood soon.