Walt Disney Co Chief Executive Bob Iger has claimed Disney may have to halt productions in Georgia if their controversial abortion law comes into effect.
Speaking to Reuters on Wednesday, Iger said it would be "extremely difficult" for the massive media company to continue filming in the state where blockbuster hits such as Black Panther and Avengers: Endgame were, in part, produced. Halting production in Georgia could severely harm the state's efforts to come up with production jobs.
Films like this one could no longer be filmed in Georgia if the abortion ban goes through:"I rather doubt we will [continue to film in Georgia]," explained Iger ahead of his promise that a Star Wars section would be installed in Disneyland, according to NBC. "I think many people who work for us will not want to work there, and we will have to heed their wishes in that regard. Right now we are watching it very carefully."
If the law, signed on May 7, comes into effect, Iger said: "I don't see how it's practical for us to continue to shoot there."
Disney is following hot on the heels of Netflix, who on Tuesday underlined their intention to halt filming in Georgia if the ban went through.
According to state officials, TV and film production contributed around $9.5 billion to the Georgia economy in 2018.
"Georgia is one of the world’s top destinations for film production and communities across the state are seeing the benefits of welcoming the industry," said outgoing Governor Nathan Deal in a statement made in August last year. "I am proud to see our success continue, as the $9.5 billion in total economic impact reflects the sustainability of the film industry and the benefits of our competitive incentives program."
