The WGA and SAF-AFTRA strike have rattled Hollywood. Most productions have ground to a halt, with actors and writers not working on their projects. A deal has yet to be reached with the AMPTP, and there are concerns about when things will get back up.
Most actors have expressed their support of the strike, and many have donated to the relief funds set up to ensure that the lesser-earning members of their union can survive. However, some actors have also made controversial comments that have rattled many.
Stephen Amell of CW Arrow fame recently said the strike was frustrating and not a good negotiating tactic. However, he walked back his comments and joined the picket line outside of the Warner Bros. Discovery offices in NYC. Now, another on-screen superhero has made a similar blunder- Zachary Levi.
Actor Zachary Levi said at the Chicago Fan Expo on August 12, 2023, that he thinks several Hollywood films are of garbage quality since, for the production houses, it’s all about making money. So he urged fans not to support garbage. Netizens reared back by stating that his latest Shazam 2 film was also not good. Levi clarified his words by saying he supports his union and the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike.
Zachary Levi Garbage Comments Controversy
At August 12, 2023’s Chicago Fan Expo, Zachary Levi said something incredibly controversial at a time when the actors and writers of Hollywood have united for fair pay, among other demands. He asked fans and viewers of films and shows not to watch rubbish or garbage films.
Entertainment Weekly reported him saying:
“I personally feel like the amount of content that comes out of Hollywood is garbage — they don’t care enough actually to make it great for you guys. They don’t. How many times do you watch a trailer and go, ‘Oh my god, this looks so cool!’ Then you go to the movie and it’s like, ‘This was what I get?’”
That’s not all. The actor further explained that:
“They know that once you’ve already bought the ticket and you’re in the seat, they’ve got your money. And the only way for us to change any of it is to not go to the garbage. We have to actively not choose the garbage. It’ll help. It’ll help a lot.”
The entire comment put Levi in hot water, as many wondered why he was dissing films at a time when his union was fighting to ensure that everyone got fair pay, streaming residuals, protection from AI taking their job, etc.
To make matters worse. At the Manchester Comic-Con in the UK, Levi was upset that he wasn’t allowed to talk about the projects he was previously involved in, which had been shot and released long ago. The actor lamented:
“I’m not allowed to talk about … this is so dumb. I’m not allowed to talk about any of my previous work. I’m not allowed to talk about movies that I may be a superhero in. I’m not allowed to talk about TV shows that I may have been a nerd who worked at a Best Buy. I’m not allowed to talk about any animated princess movies that I was fantastic in — as the best prince ever! I’m not allowed to talk about those things.”
His words drew a lot of vitriol as many online pointed out that his latest offering- the DC superhero film Shazam 2 made a dismal $133 million worldwide, alluding to the fact that it could be considered ‘garbage’ too.
Many criticized his performance in the movie because they felt there was no nuance to it, and neither was it in sync with Asher Angel’s performance, who plays the young Billy Batson. Post the film’s poor performance, Levi said that he had no idea if he would return to the DC universe.
Zachary Levi Apologizes For His Garbage Films Remarks
Word inevitably reached Zachary Levi’s ears that people were trashing him online for his comments. So he gave a statement clarifying what he meant at the convention. The actor said:
“It’s come to my attention that an offhand remark I made in jest last weekend is being taken out of context. So let me be very clear. I fully support my union, the WGA, and the strike. I remain an outspoken critic of the exploitative system that we artists are subject to work in since I started my journey in this business 25 years ago. This strike is necessary to protect ourselves, our writers, and all those working in production who make the industry move.”
Levi also thanked the fans for supporting the actors in the strike and for spending their money and energy attending conventions to hear the actors talk about their work. He said:
“Our business exists and succeeds because of the fans, and I think it’s imperative we appreciate them for their support of our careers.”
The hatred against Levi has died down after his clarification, but many wondered if he could have avoided the internet’s ire if he had just not made the comments.
What are your thoughts about Zachary Levi’s comments and later clarification?
Were his comments malicious towards the strike? Or was he expressing frustration at the situation?
Let us know in the comments.
Source: Entertainment Weekly
