BusinessFeaturedFilm & TV EntertainmentNewsTrending StoriesUncategorized

Disney Actor Sets Himself on Fire To Support SAG AFTRA

As many people know who follow entertainment news, there is currently a SAG AFTRA strike going on in Hollywood. The battle lines have been drawn, and Disney CEO Bob Iger has found himself in the crosshairs of some workers on strike. He has been called out by name by SAG president Fran Drescher and by Bryan Cranston. But another individual with ties to Disney wants to draw more attention to the actor’s strike…

Bob iger Fran drescher
Credit:Flickr, Village Global/ Flickr, Gage Skidmore

Stunt Coordinator and Stunt Worker

Harrison Ford‘s stunt performer Mike Massa is fresh off of starring in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023). He decided to make a stand as a union board member and an advocate of the work that stunt actors do.

indiana jones and the dial of destiny 5 harrison ford box office loss pheobe waller-bridge helena shaw
Credit: Lucasfilm

RELATED: Indiana Jones and the Lawsuit of Lucasfilm

During a protest last week, he set himself on fire. “We are tired of being burned by the AMPTP,” Mike Massa wrote in an Instagram post shared by Elena Sanchez.

Mike Massa sets himself on fire
Credit: Instagram

The flames began on his legs and rose to the back of his torso and arms before being extinguished.

The Flames Heard ‘Round the World

Mike Massa’s effort has garnered the protest a few more articles of publicity by drawing attention to the work that stunt performers put themselves through during an average day on set. In addition to working as Harrison Ford’s stunt double in Indiana Jones 5, Mike Massa has also worked on Stranger Things, the Fast and Furious franchise, Blade Runner 2049 (2017), Star Trek, and The Italian Job (2003).

ember fire element elemental disney/pixar leah lewis
Credit: Pixar Animation

The protest happened on Monday, July 24, and the following day, Mike Massa thanked his fellow stunt crew for their assistance with the…stunt. He posted the message, “We wanted to make a statement and I think we did! It was great to see such a great turnout from our local Stunt community.”

actor mark ruffalo suggests indie films marvel studios actor on film strike incredible hulk glasses indie films content over billionaires
Credit: Film Updates/ Twitter

RELATED: Forget COVID – CDC Warns of Alpha-Gal Syndrome in Florida

Steven Wilk

Steven has a complicated relationship with Disney. As a child, he visited Walt Disney World every few years with his family. But he never understood why kids his age (and older) were so scared of Snow White or Alien Encounter. He is a former participant of the Disney College Program (left early…long story), and he also previously worked in Children’s publishing, where he adapted multiple Disney movies and TV shows. He has many controversial opinions about Disney…like having a positive view of Michael Eisner, believing Return of the Jedi is superior to The Empire Strikes Back, and that Toy Story… More »

Related Articles