In a surprising turn of events, the Writers Guild of America (WGA) has expelled acclaimed filmmakers Park Chan-wook and Don McKellar for their involvement in writing on the HBO miniseries “The Sympathizer” during the 2023 strike. The seven-episode series, which starred Hoa Xuande and Robert Downey, Jr., was based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name by Viet Thanh Nguyen.
The decision to expel Park Chan-wook and Don McKellar from the WGA has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry. Both filmmakers were accused of crossing the picket line and violating the rules of the strike, leading to their expulsion from the guild. The move has raised questions about the ethical implications of their actions and the consequences of breaking strike rules in the industry.
Park Chan-wook, known for his critically acclaimed films such as “Oldboy” and “The Handmaiden,” and Don McKellar, a prominent Canadian actor and filmmaker, now face the repercussions of their actions. The WGA’s decision to expel them serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding the integrity of labor strikes and respecting the rights of fellow guild members.
The audience and industry experts have been divided in their responses to the expulsion of Park Chan-wook and Don McKellar. While some have expressed disappointment in the filmmakers for their actions, others have raised concerns about the impact of the expulsion on their future projects and collaborations.
The broader societal and economic implications of this incident highlight the complexities of labor relations in the entertainment industry. The WGA’s decision to enforce strike rules and uphold the rights of its members reflects a commitment to fair labor practices and solidarity among writers and creators.
As the news of Park Chan-wook and Don McKellar’s expulsion continues to reverberate through the industry, it serves as a cautionary tale for filmmakers and industry professionals alike. Upholding ethical standards and respecting the rights of fellow guild members are essential principles that must be upheld to ensure a fair and equitable working environment for all.
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References:
– Variety: [https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/park-chan-wook-expelled-wga-breaking-strike-1236482956/]
– Deadline: [https://deadline.com/2025/08/park-chan-wook-wga-expulsion-don-mckellar-the-sympathizer-2023-strike-1236482886/]
– AV Club: [https://www.avclub.com/park-chan-wook-don-mckellar-expelled-wga-the-sympathizer]
– Vulture: [https://www.vulture.com/article/park-chan-wook-don-mckellar-expelled-wga.html]
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