Zachary Levi Defies Hollywood: Builds Austin Studio Amid Vaccine Controversy

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At the dawn of 2023, Zachary Levi was riding high.   

After a five-year stint as the lead character in the NBC series “Chuck”, the actor subsequently proved his leading man capabilities in movies with the smash hit “Shazam!”. This DC blockbuster was a relatively safe investment for Warner Bros., yielding positive critical reception and grossing $368 million worldwide against a budget of $90 million. However, controversy erupted when Levi made comments about COVID vaccines prior to the release of the sequel. In response to a Twitter user who inquired about the safety of Pfizer, Levi responded with “Hardcore agree”.

Initially, just like the vaccine skepticism had affected the professional paths of colleagues such as Letitia Wright and Evangeline Lilly in Hollywood, Levi took a bold stance. The subsequent year, he publicly supported Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is widely criticized for fueling concerns about vaccination schedules and COVID-19 boosters within the industry. When Kennedy withdrew from the Democratic Party nominee race and encouraged supporters to back Donald Trump instead, Levi expressed reservations. However, after a private conversation with Kennedy, he chose to align himself with the person who is generally disliked among his fellow celebrities.

As a devoted cinephile, I can’t help but reflect on the journey of the TV actor who’s been grappling with movie stardom setbacks, such as last year’s “Harold and the Purple Crayon.” Timing his rebellious move wasn’t ideal, but this ambitious individual, Levi, harbors ambitions far beyond merely attaining A-list status. Instead, he’s preparing to undertake a daring venture: establishing a Hollywood studio in Austin, Texas – a hub for entertainment industry rebels like Joe Rogan and Woody Harrelson.

While Rogan maintains his influential position as Spotify’s prized podcast host, and Harrelson enjoys leeway due to his stance on vaccines, Levi is uniquely exposed. His career had been waning before he voiced his opinions. And soon, he’ll be responsible for another life, as we sit down at a Brentwood café in March – just days before becoming a father for the first time. He’s recently wrapped up preparations for a home birth at his shared abode with photographer Maggie Keating in Ventura, California.

He acknowledges that some individuals might choose not to collaborate with him due to his views, as his team in Beverly Hills, specifically UTA, has informed him. He hasn’t been provided with specific names, but there are those who currently prefer not to work with him. Regrettably, he anticipated this outcome.

Despite initial reservations, his pro-MAHA stance might prove beneficial following the 2024 election. The world is now more conscious than ever about the increasing influence of unconventional individuals. If fortune favors him, his vision for the future could gain traction far beyond Texas. Regardless, his blacklisting in Hollywood holds little significance for him. The industry is struggling with issues such as relocated production, waning audience interest, and a growing divide between the elite and the common workers. Given these grim circumstances, Levi bluntly states that he’d rather distance himself from it all. He remarks that artificial intelligence might be the final blow to the entertainment industry in L.A., likening its current state to Detroit’s decline.

44-year-old actor Levi is currently enjoying a glass of pink sludge and some organic eggs, all while planning a $40 million fundraising effort to construct a $100 million full-service campus for Wyldwood Studios in Austin. This project could potentially thrive if President Trump fulfills his pledge to impose 100% tariffs on productions filmed overseas. Similarly, the Texas Senate is considering investing half a billion dollars into film production, due in large part to the advocacy of Levi, along with Matthew McConaughey, Taylor Sheridan, and a Republican senator. Levi envisions this campus to include twin 20,000-square-foot soundstages, two amphitheaters, a boutique hotel, cabins, and a farm-to-table restaurant. He purchased the 75-acre property alongside the Colorado River well before encountering Hollywood’s traditional norms.

Charlie Chaplin, Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks, and other pioneers realized this over a century back. Back then, Hollywood was flawed, and there was a necessity for a more effective structure. He refers to these early legends who established United Artists as a means to avoid restrictive studio agreements. Today, the industry is on the brink of collapse. To thrive, we must have an environment that encourages genuine, artistically crafted content.

Levi, despite his laid-back demeanor that might remind you of a hippie, is more like Aaron Rodgers than Roger Stone. He’s taller at 6 feet 3 inches and hails from Ventura, with a love for singing, as shown in his duet “I See the Light” with Mandy Moore in “Tangled.” Unlike a typical MAGA supporter, Levi often discusses his experiences with “plant medicine,” and his political leanings are not aligned with traditional conservative values. In 2020, he voted for Marianne Williamson in the Democratic primary, and in 2016, he supported Gary Johnson of the Libertarian Party. He also urged his followers on social media not to vote for Trump because he felt that Trump only cared about power.

He clarifies that he wasn’t a supporter of Trump’s character traits, which he found off-putting at times. He acknowledges why others might dislike him and states that he doesn’t believe Trump to be flawless. He suggests that most people who voted for Donald Trump were aware of his flaws and didn’t view him as an ideal figure. In other words, they didn’t see him as a divine savior.

Levi holds a unique perspective on faith, identifying himself as a non-denominational Christian and deeply religious. Contrary to assumptions that his work might lean towards conservative viewpoints like The Daily Wire’s from Nashville, it’s quite the opposite. Levi aspires for content reminiscent of “The White Lotus” rather than “The Chosen.” Furthermore, when asked about his stance against gay bullying at an Anti-Defamation League event, he clarified that while he holds conservative views in some areas, his support for the LGBTQ+ community is one of his liberal beliefs. Growing up surrounded by friends from the arts, he has never viewed homosexuality as something to be feared or scorned. Instead, he cherishes and respects his gay friends and the broader LGBTQ+ community, stating that even within his spirituality, he believes Jesus would not bully anyone based on their sexual orientation.

Despite having criticisms towards Trump and some liberal tendencies, Levi appears to have lost favor with a significant portion of the industry. However, he acknowledges that he may be wrong about various matters. In his words, “It’s both arrogant and foolish to believe one cannot be deceived.” He further adds, “We all have the potential to be misled. I might be trusting leaders whom I helped put into power right now.

For a self-described Hollywood pariah, Levi has plenty of backers.

According to Josh Schwartz, co-creator of “Chuck,” Levi is a highly passionate individual who is not only intelligent but also has exceptional intuition. He continues their friendship after the series ended in 2012. Schwartz describes Levi as forward-thinking and innovative, suggesting that he’s always considering what lies ahead for the industry, particularly amidst technological uncertainties. The specifics of what Levi is doing in Texas aren’t entirely clear, but Schwartz is confident that he’s focused on shaping the future of the field.

Director Guy Moshe was collaborating with actor Levi on their forthcoming thriller “Hotel Tehran”, amidst increasing scrutiny concerning Levi’s opinions about COVID-19 vaccines.

Moshe shared that during filming, he admired his actions as incredibly bold. He could see the challenges he was facing, knowing well the noise and pressure that comes with being in Hollywood. Moshe also mentioned that he’s been vaccinated, along with his kids.

In essence, Moshe sees this individual as a disruptor, discussing various topics like AI, health, politics, and Hollywood. Instead of simply taking sides, he encourages us to think deeply and engage in thoughtful discussions about these issues, something we used to appreciate more in the past.

Many people find themselves in a complex situation regarding their relationship with Levi. Despite having political views that appear to contradict, Robert Duncan McNeill, known for directing several episodes of “Chuck”, has managed to maintain a deep friendship with him. McNeill, who identifies as left-wing and considers Trump a significant danger to democracy, occasionally grapples with the tension between their differing political ideologies.

McNeill expresses a deep affection for Zach, yet clarifies that their friendship and his admiration for Zach as a person should not be seen as an approval of Zach’s political views, as they strongly oppose them. However, McNeill acknowledges that Zach is an exceptional friend in his life, often demonstrating more liberal compassion than McNeill himself, which surprises him. In many aspects, Zach practices what he preaches more effectively than McNeill does.

Among some of Levi’s previous co-workers, there isn’t much affection for him, particularly Laura Benanti who worked with him on Broadway in “She Loves Me” in 2016. When their fellow cast member Gavin Creel tragically passed away due to a rare form of cancer in September at the age of 48, Levi speculated about COVID vaccines potentially being a factor in his death on Instagram, which Benanti strongly objected to. “I’ve never been fond of him,” she stated in a podcast interview regarding Levi.

Despite Rachel Zegler, his “Shazam! Fury of the Gods” co-star not explicitly mentioning Levi, she expressed on Instagram following the election: “May those who support Trump… never experience peace.” This statement doesn’t affect his feelings towards her in any way.

He admits to having voted for Trump, but acknowledges the importance of understanding that many decisions are influenced by the misinformation people often receive. He questions whether it’s fair to judge her harshly because she’s exposed to voices labeling Trump as Hitler and his supporters as Nazis. Despite this, he considers her a gifted individual who genuinely seeks the best for the world.

Following the production of both “Shazam!” movies, Zachary Levi continues to reminisce about his “Shazamily” experience, but the shift in DC leadership from Walter Hamada to James Gunn and Peter Safran led to a 2023 release of several titles with minimal promotion. This collection included “The Flash,” “Blue Beetle,” “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom,” and the sequel to “Shazam!”. Regrettably, all these movies underperformed, with “Fury of the Gods” earning only $134 million against a budget of $110 million. When asked about Levi’s Pfizer post, DC chief James Gunn responded that he respects the opinions of actors and filmmakers, even when they don’t align with his own. However, it seems Levi isn’t upset and instead criticizes the reporter for attempting to use Gunn to publicly embarrass him.

For years, I’ve known James, and I’m convinced he handled those questions with the best integrity he could muster. In my opinion, he didn’t betray me in any way. Instead, I view his responses as truthful, reflecting his feelings as they were, as they rightfully should be.

Regarding a potential third appearance, Levi firmly states his enthusiasm: “Definitely. I really enjoyed portraying that character.” However, are there any concrete plans? “Not at the moment,” he clarifies, hinting it’s beyond his authority.

Despite the fact that several of his dearest peers in the industry share roots from the “Chuck” era, portraying the nerdy American Bond proved to be exhausting.

He expressed that it was extremely challenging, pushing him to his physical, mental, and emotional limits. “During our first season,” he explained, “we were typically working for 16 hours a day.” Compared to the ease of a sitcom role, he added, single-camera or episodic television is the most demanding schedule in Hollywood, as far as he’s concerned.

The “Chuck” role delayed Levi’s start in his superhero career by a few more years. Back in 2009, Kenneth Branagh chose Levi to play the charming warrior Fandral in “Thor.” However, NBC requested six extra episodes of “Chuck,” causing a conflict with the “Thor” filming schedule. As a result, he portrayed Fandral in the subsequent two “Thor” movies instead. Looking back, he believes that NBC might have been able to accommodate the scheduling.

He believes that if there’s a strong determination, a solution can always be found. In his opinion, Hollywood has the ability and resourcefulness to tackle challenges effectively, especially when they recognize the potential in someone.

In the end, the benefits of “Chuck” – the lasting (albeit sometimes complex) friendships – proved to be more significant than its drawbacks. Additionally, Levi mentioned that the fanbase has expanded since the show first aired on television, attracting more followers as it becomes available on streaming platforms.

He mentions that there are dedicated fans who have supported him throughout his entire career. These fans attend conventions and events, eagerly requesting more ‘Chuck’, either a new series or a movie adaptation of ‘Chuck’. He’s been trying to bring this project to life since before the series ended, believing it deserves further exploration.

As a movie lover immersed in the world of “Chuck,” this experience played a pivotal role in shaping my vision for Wyldwood. During promotional tours in the U.K., I was captivated by a more eco-friendly approach to work, which I aim to emulate in my future projects.

He recalls that the pace felt similar to taking a break for tea every few hours, making the day less overwhelming and reducing stress levels. Being accustomed to the fast pace of American life, he found himself asking, “What’s next, everyone?” or “Tick-tock.”

He recalls that the rhythm was like taking a tea break every few hours, keeping the day manageable and less stressful. Coming from the fast-paced American lifestyle, he often found himself wondering, “What’s our next move?” or “Tick-tock.

At Wyldwood, he firmly believes that the workdays will extend to between 8 to 10 hours. If additional shooting time is required for about two weeks to compensate for these extended hours, then we’ll do so, and we’ll adjust our budget accordingly.

Before he welcomed his child into the world, he recognized the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. A short while later, we catch up again, this time over a video call. Levi has since become a proud father to Henson Ezra Levi Pugh. “He was born with ten fingers and ten toes, strong and alert from the start,” he shares fondly. “A delightful little boy.

During our Brentwood meeting, Levi expresses concern about repeating the same family trauma from his past in his own life, as it has happened with his ancestors. (His parents divorced when he was 6 years old.) This is the reason behind his desire to create a Wyldwood environment that maintains family unity among cast and crew members, which isn’t common in the industry. As pioneers, the Levi family will live in Ventura until July and then move to Texas to raise Henson. However, Levi plans to maintain connections in Los Angeles and is optimistic about his ability to work within the Hollywood system while pursuing his Wyldwood vision. Notably, he mentions that there are many industry figures who supported Trump for various reasons.

He states, “I’m certain of my stance because I’ve received numerous messages from individuals whom I won’t mention but who were extremely grateful for my actions. They also confided in me their fears, saying ‘I wish to do the same, but I’m so terrified.’ To them, I replied, ‘Remember, you’re on your path and I’m on mine. Keep having faith in God. If you sense a strong urge to act in such a manner, then do it courageously, knowing you’ll be alright. And if you don’t feel that inner push yet, then don’t worry about it. It’s fine.’

Furthermore, certain executives are open to collaborating with individuals they previously deemed careless regarding COVID safety measures. For example, Wright has made a return to the spotlight, having recently debuted her directorial work on the short film “Highway to the Moon.” Levi feels she should have been welcomed back sooner. “I hold her in high regard,” he states. “They tried to tarnish Letitia’s reputation when she questioned the COVID vaccine, and then they said, ‘And she’s a Christian — of course she’s eccentric.'” Despite stepping away from acting, Lilly is still active. On the other hand, Dennis Quaid, who supported Trump, continues to work consistently. Lastly, Ice Cube, who dismissed the importance of vaccines in an interview with Tucker Carlson, has now been hired by Warner Bros. for a new “Friday” movie where he will both write and star.

Though some individuals might choose not to collaborate with me further, there are many others on the political spectrum who find my services more appealing and desirous of doing business with me. This is because ‘I represent a different perspective,'” Levi explains, reflecting on recent discussions with influential figures. “They acknowledge that what I did was daring. And they express admiration for my courage, stating, ‘That’s not an easy thing to do.’ To which I respond, ‘Thank you for your appreciation.’

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2025-05-22 19:18