Sean Astin Leads SAG-AFTRA Actors Union at Pivotal Moment

The 'Lord of the Rings' star takes on the presidency of the actors union amid industry upheaval and contract negotiations.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Sean Astin, known for his roles in films like 'The Goonies,' 'Rudy,' and the 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy, has taken on the presidency of the SAG-AFTRA actors union at a critical time. With challenges like the threat of AI replacing human actors, streaming upheavals, and studio consolidation, Astin is leading the union's 160,000 members through contract negotiations and other key issues.

Why it matters

As the head of the influential actors union, Astin will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the entertainment industry and advocating for the rights and livelihoods of his members, many of whom struggle to make ends meet despite their fame.

The details

Astin, who has been a SAG member since 1981, won the presidency in September, replacing Fran Drescher. He is known for his fiery rally speeches during the union's 2023 four-month strike, which secured some protections and higher wages for members. Now, Astin is preparing to lead the union into new contract negotiations with studios and streamers, aiming to build on those gains and address issues like the impact of AI and the need for better streaming residuals.

  • Astin became the new SAG-AFTRA president in September 2026.
  • The union's previous four-month strike took place nearly three years ago, in 2023.
  • New contract negotiations with studios and streamers are set to begin on March 1, 2026.

The players

Sean Astin

The 54-year-old actor known for his roles in 'The Goonies,' 'Rudy,' and the 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy, who is the new president of the SAG-AFTRA actors union.

Patty Duke

Astin's mother, who was the president of the SAG union from 1985 to 1988, before it merged with AFTRA in 2012.

John Astin

Astin's father, who is best known for playing Gomez on 'The Addams Family.'

Mackenzie Astin

Astin's brother, a child star turned journeyman actor who recently had a three-episode arc on 'The Pitt.'

Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP)

The group representing studios and streamers that will be negotiating the new contract with SAG-AFTRA.

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What they’re saying

“In my imagination, growing up, I would want to have been in a place of consequence. And so to have the opportunity to be in a role, leading a union of 160,000 people at this moment of consequence when there's turmoil, when there's fear and uncertainty and danger, this is exactly where I want to be.”

— Sean Astin, SAG-AFTRA President (The Associated Press)

“They came in last time provoking the fight. They wanted the strike. No question in my mind. I was in those rooms every single day. They're sending much different signals now. They're sending signals of wanting stability, of wanting to work as partners again.”

— Sean Astin, SAG-AFTRA President (The Associated Press)

“There's only one real tool available to a labor union in a negotiation, and that's saying no. We reserve the right to say no again if we need to.”

— Sean Astin, SAG-AFTRA President (The Associated Press)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

As the new president of SAG-AFTRA, Sean Astin is leading the actors union through a pivotal moment, navigating challenges like the threat of AI, streaming upheavals, and studio consolidation. With his experience as an actor and union member, Astin is determined to fight for the rights and livelihoods of his 160,000 members, many of whom struggle to make ends meet despite their fame.