Cosplayers wrestle with not wanting to cross SAG-AFTRA picket line

San Diego Comic-Con starts this week, and due to the ongoing strikes, some companies have pulled out of one of the biggest pop culture events in the country. While it may not seem like it, cosplaying could also become an issue, especially if fans have aspirations to join the striking guilds in the future.

Cosplayer Sarah McGonagall shared a series of tweets, warning cosplayers to avoid dressing up as characters from companies targeted by the strikes, since it will also be considered crossing the picket line by SAG-AFTRA, since it could be seen as promoting a struck studio.

McGonagall has also shared an email from the Guild themselves, pleading with recipients to avoid cosplaying. Fans can still promote other forms of media such as video games, books, and comics, but anything from TV shows and movies should be avoided.

Content creators and influencers have also recently been implored to avoid ‘scabbing’ roles while the strikes are ongoing. However, there is conflicting information when it comes to cosplaying. While McGonagall emailed the union regarding this subject, The Sandman‘s Neil Gaiman replied to a fan on Tumblr, stating that fans and non-guild members are not violating any rules, nor are they crossing the picket lines if they dress up during conventions.

Gaiman also added that the rules only apply to those who are part of SAG-AFTRA or have signed agreements with the guild. However, SAG-AFTRA’s FAQ page stated non-union influencers may not be admitted to the Guild if they have offered services to struck companies. This includes cosplaying.

This news caused confusion amongst the cosplaying community. Some claimed that cosplayers should be left alone since they aren’t being paid by either SAG or the struck companies. Others also pointed out that SAG-AFTRA can’t halt cosplaying across the globe just because of a strike that’s only happening in the U.S.

Its is unfortunate to see cosplaying get caught in the firing line between protesters and companies, especially when fans spent significant time and money in preparation, only to be told that they might not be admitted to SAG-AFTRA if they dress up. The Guilds sees cosplaying as unpaid promotion, especially if you’re someone with a huge following. If cosplayers have plans to pursue an acting career, perhaps its safer to follow the instructions that SAG-AFTRA has provided.