WGA Writers Told Not to Work for ‘Expendables’ Producer

The Writers Guild of America ordered members on Wednesday not to work for Millennium Films, the producer of action fare including the “The Hitman’s Bodyguard” and the “Expendables” franchise.

The guild told members that the company has a history of not paying up-front compensation and residuals, and of not paying on time.

The company and the union are at loggerheads over the conditions it must fulfill in order to become a guild signatory. As of now, it is not a signatory to the 2023 writers contract, which is a requirement to hire guild writers.

“The Guild has determined that Millennium is not financially responsible and requires the posting of an adequate bond before it can become signatory,” the union said. “Millennium has, to date, refused to do so.”

Millennium Films was founded by Avi Lerner in 1996, and has amassed a significant library of independent action movies. In addition to the “Expendables” films, it also released “Olympus Has Fallen,” “The Bricklayer,” and “The Mechanic.”

According to the WGA statement, the union has had to file several claims against the company over the years. The union asked any members who have worked for the company since May 1, 2023, or been approached to work for it, to contact the guild.

“It is crucial that Millennium be prevented from undercutting writers’ standards and conditions,” the union said. “Until there is resolution, Millennium cannot be allowed to benefit from writing services provided by WGA members.”

A Millennium spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Gerard Butler, the star of “Olympus Has Fallen,” sued Millennium in 2021 seeking unpaid royalties. The case was settled out of court last fall.

A former executive also filed a sexual harassment suit in 2017, alleging that Lerner fostered a misogynistic work environment and a culture of “sexual favoritism.”

In 2013, the company sued the WGA and writer David Callaham in a credit dispute over the first “Expendables” movie. That suit was likewise settled out of court.