Zachary Levi, the star of “Shazam!”, recently clarified his viral comments about the SAG-AFTRA strike. At a fan event, Levi made jokes about the guild’s restrictions on promoting studio content, calling them “so dumb.” However, in a statement released on Friday, Levi clarified his remarks and affirmed his support for the strike and his union, the WGA.
In his statement, Levi stated, “I fully support my union, the WGA, and the strike. I remain an outspoken critic of the exploitative system that us 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 emphasized the importance of not forgetting the fans during the strike. He recognized that fans spend their time, money, and energy to support and engage with the work of actors. Levi believes it is crucial to appreciate the fans for their support of the careers of actors and other industry professionals.
The controversy surrounding Levi’s comments began when a clip of him speaking at Manchester Comic-Con started circulating. In the clip, Levi expressed frustration about not being allowed to discuss his previous work such as “Chuck,” “Tangled,” and the “Shazam!” films. While Levi’s remarks were made in a lighthearted manner, they received backlash from some who compared him to Stephen Amell, the star of “Arrow.” Amell had previously received backlash for declaring that he didn’t support the strike and called it a “reductive negotiating tactic.” However, he later walked back his comments in a statement.
Related Post
It is worth noting that Levi had made a passionate defense of the strike in a video posted on Instagram last month. In the video, Levi criticized studio executives for prioritizing profits over people and advocated for taking drastic action to address the exploitative nature of the industry.
As the strike continues, it is important for actors and industry professionals to stand united in their quest for fair treatment and improved working conditions. The strike not only aims to protect the rights of actors but also those working in production and writing. It is crucial for the industry to recognize the importance of the fans and appreciate their support during this challenging time.
In conclusion, Zachary Levi clarified his viral comments about the SAG-AFTRA strike, affirming his support for the strike and his union, the WGA. While his initial remarks may have been made in a lighthearted manner, he understands the seriousness of the issues at hand and the need for drastic action. The strike is not only about protecting the rights of actors but also about improving the working conditions for all industry professionals. It is important for the industry to acknowledge and appreciate the fans who continue to support and engage with their work during this challenging time.
