Park Chan-Wook, Don McKellar Expelled by WGA for Breaking Strike Rules
The Writers Guild of America made a significant announcement on Friday regarding the expulsion of two of its members, Park Chan-wook and Don McKellar, for their involvement in writing on the HBO miniseries “The Sympathizer” during the 2023 strike. Park and McKellar co-created the seven-episode series, which featured actors Hoa Xuande and Robert Downey, Jr. and was based on Viet Thanh Nguyen’s novel from 2015. The series aired in 2024, and despite the expulsion, Park and McKellar did not appeal the decision.
Additionally, Anthony Cipriano has been suspended until May 1, 2026, for his involvement in writing on “The Last Breath,” previously known as the “Untitled True Story Haunting—Thriller Project.” Cipriano also received a public censure and a lifetime ban on serving as a strike captain.
Park, a renowned South Korean writer, director, and producer, is best known for his work on films like “Oldboy” (2003) and “The Handmaiden” (2016). His upcoming feature, “No Other Choice,” will debut at the Venice Film Festival in August. McKellar, a Canadian actor and filmmaker, is recognized for his work on “Last Night” (1998) and has a screenplay credit on “No Other Choice,” which he shares with Park, Lee Kyoung-mi, and Lee Ja-hye.
The WGA had previously disciplined seven writers for various violations during the 2023 strike, with the identities of some remaining undisclosed until now. The board decided to make these disciplines public, including the expulsions of Roth and Drake and the suspension of Bush. However, the membership overturned a public censure of Tim Doyle for a joke made on a private Facebook group.
The specifics of the strike violations committed by Park, McKellar, and Cipriano were not elaborated on by the WGA. The guild expressed gratitude towards the volunteers who served on the Strike Rules Compliance Committee for their efforts in investigating violations and ensuring accountability among members. The board and officers also thanked the trial committees for their role in delivering recommendations on discipline to the board.
Overall, the WGA emphasized the importance of upholding the rules and obligations outlined in the Strike Rules, Working Rules, and WGAW Constitution to maintain accountability and integrity within the writing community.
