SAG-AFTRA Gives Green Light for Actors’ Kids to Dress as Spider-Man Despite Controversy
After facing backlash over costume guidelines, the actors’ union clarified that children can still dress as their favorite characters.

• SAG-AFTRA issued a Halloween costume guideline that met with backlash from members and notable celebrities.
• Melissa Gilbert, former union president, called the policy “infantile” on Instagram.
• Ryan Reynolds also commented on the guideline in jest on Twitter about his 8-year-old son not joining the union.
• In response, SAG-AFTRA released a statement affirming that children can dress as their favorite characters.
• Despite pressure from wealthy members and the controversy, SAG-AFTRA continues to support individual expression through costumes for Halloween festivities.

SAG-AFTRA has maintained a strong stance during the ongoing strike, but it hit a small roadblock when it issued a notice regarding Halloween costumes.

The union suggested that striking members should not dress as characters from Hollywood franchises. However, this sparked anger and mockery from some constituents, leading to a clarifying statement from SAG-AFTRA.

Former SAG-AFTRA president Melissa Gilbert expressed her frustration on Instagram, calling the guideline “infantile” and questioning its usefulness in ending the strike.

Ryan Reynolds joined the criticism, jokingly remarking on Twitter about his 8-year-old not joining the union.

These reactions prompted SAG-AFTRA to issue a statement affirming that children can dress up as they please.

Despite facing challenges, including pressure from wealthy members, SAG-AFTRA emphasizes supporting individual expression through Halloween costumes, addressing the controversy head-on.