During a recent fan event, Zachary Levi, known for his role in “Shazam! Fury of the Gods,” made a seemingly awkward comment about the ongoing actors’ strike. The star appeared to question the strict rules of the strike, expressing frustration over not being able to talk about his recent film and TV work.
In a video circulating on social media, Levi can be seen on stage at what appears to be Manchester Comic-Con in the U.K. In the clip, he jokingly laments that he is not allowed to discuss his past work in projects like “Chuck,” “Tangled,” and the “Shazam!” films. While Levi does not directly mention these titles, it’s evident he is referring to them. He humorously states that he can’t talk about being a superhero or a nerdy Best Buy employee in TV shows or the animated princess movies he excelled in as the best prince ever.
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While the comments may have been intended as a joke, they come amidst the backdrop of the ongoing SAG-AFTRA actors’ strike, and Levi’s previous social media posts have shown strong support for the strike. In a previous Instagram post, Levi passionately defended the strike and outlined the dangers of AI in the entertainment industry. He criticized studio executives for prioritizing profits over people and emphasized the need for drastic action to protect workers’ rights.
Zachary Levi’s comments echo those of Arrow star Stephen Amell, who also got embroiled in controversy related to the actors’ strike. Amell initially expressed discomfort with the strike’s impact on the promotion of work but later clarified his support for SAG-AFTRA after facing criticism from fellow union members and backlash on social media.
As the actors’ strike continues to impact the industry, it remains to be seen how these comments and actions by prominent actors will shape the ongoing discussions and negotiations between the union and studios. The strike raises crucial issues about workers’ rights and fair treatment in the entertainment industry, and voices like Levi’s are adding to the ongoing conversation.