Zachary Levi’s Shift from Superhero to Historical Storytelling

Zachary Levi has traded in his superhero costume for a role in a film that delves into faith and American history.

The actor, known for his part in “Sarah’s Oil,” shared with TotalNews about the film’s long-awaited production, suggesting it reflects larger trends in Hollywood that most people might not realize exist.

When asked about the movie’s prolonged wait for production, Levi responded quickly, noting that many simply weren’t familiar with the story. “I think a lot of people just didn’t know the story. That’s why a lot of people didn’t make this movie,” he explained.

He also mentioned how the industry has evolved, saying, “In the last decade, we’ve started to see how effective and profitable faith-based or faith-infused films can actually be. That’s why many studios are creating divisions to focus on these types of stories.”

Levi reflected on Hollywood’s earlier disinterest in such narratives until studios recognized the potential audience. “Ten years ago, no one would have touched it. Hollywood probably didn’t care until they realized there was money to be made in that world,” he said. There’s a sense that now, more faithful individuals who regularly attend church are seeking stories that resonate with their beliefs.

“I don’t think anyone would have dabbled in this until 10 years ago, because I don’t think Hollywood really cared until they saw that there was money to be made in this world… There are a lot of really faithful people who go to church regularly and want stories that reflect the same faith.”

For Levi, faith plays a pivotal role in both his personal and professional life. He mentioned that while he takes on various roles, a spiritual perspective influences his choices. “Certainly there are roles and projects that I chose to take on because I felt like there was no way I could see any redemption in them,” he said. Nevertheless, he emphasized that not all successful films are overtly religious.

“I’ve done a lot of things that have nothing to do with faith, but they still carry an element of redemption… You know, triumph over evil… stories that inspire people and provide hope,” he added, noting his transition from the fantastical realm of “Shazam!” to the more grounded narrative in “Sarah’s Oil.”

When asked about his current decision-making process in choosing roles, Levi explained, “It’s always a case-by-case basis.” He prioritizes the script, questioning its quality and relevance. “Is this a good story? Is it worth telling? Is it well written?” Furthermore, he looks for characters that spark his creativity, seeking out challenges rather than repetition.

Ultimately, Levi believes that a spiritual compass has guided him from his superhero roles to this new narrative path. “I don’t have a particular movie that I want to make. I feel like God has guided me…,” he stated.

His latest film, “Sarah’s Oil,” produced by Amazon Studios and Kingdom Story Company, spotlights the incredible real-life journey of Sarah Rector, a young African American girl from Oklahoma in the early 1900s. Remarkably, she overcame poverty and prejudice to become America’s first black female millionaire by the age of 11.

Levi, who plays Bert Smith—Sarah’s friend and ally—described their partnership as one of “business partners.” He remarked on reading the script, stating he was taken aback by the true story of this spirited young girl. “When I read the script, I was shocked… She was intelligent, precocious, and full of spirit,” he recalled.

“Sarah’s Oil” is now showing in theaters.