Writers do not always speak their minds when an adaptation of their work comes to the screen. Rooting for successes and more money can motivate many to silence, but, Neil Gaiman is not like most creatives. The Englishman is never shy and has just now revealed what Hollywood striking means for Good Omens.
In addition to the current writers’ strike impacting television and film productions across the board, the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists recently revealed talks with studios on new contracts for its members have collapsed and they have unanimously recommended its more than 100,000 members walk off of their jobs. Reporting from The Washington Post and USA Today has confirmed this is the first time actors and writers have jointly been in a strike stance in more than 60 years, and, when or if people walk off, no pre-scheduled promotional work can take place in any way.
As a result, a fan questioned why Gaiman is posting Tumblr content about the 2nd season of the Amazon adaptation of the book he worked on with Terry Pratchett which is coming out later this month. Being accessible, Gaiman responded, and, essentially, it works because the platform is a real backwater.
Indeed, this is the case. Since the platform banned adult-oriented content, it lost more than 30 percent of its traffic and Gaiman feels this does not contravene the rules of the writers’ strike. In replies, users joke his remarks make them feel fancy and one user says reality can be rattling and Gaiman should remain strong.
“‘Internet backwater’ wouldn’t hurt so much if it weren’t true 😔 we’re all in this swamp together Mr. Gaiman, WGA strong!!!”
– cat-hesarose
For now, Good Omens‘ 2nd season is scheduled to release on Prime Video on July 28. Gaiman adds in another post it could drop a day earlier, though he is not certain and it will have six episodes like the first. The initial run was only supposed to be a limited series, but, in Hollywood, success breeds excess.