Zachary Levi Stands Firm in His Beliefs Amid Hollywood Backlash

Zachary Levi, known for his role in “Shazam!,” has made it clear he won’t shy away from expressing his beliefs, even if it has repercussions in Hollywood. In light of his new film “Sarah’s Oil,” which premiered recently, he reflected on how his political views have impacted his career. Levi shared that he feels he is on Hollywood’s “grey list,” acknowledging that while he’s not completely ostracized, the backlash is still evident.

Levi on Being an Outsider

In an exclusive conversation, Levi remarked, “You could even say I was on the grey list. I’m still getting the job, and I’m very grateful for that.” He emphasized his appreciation for friends and colleagues, even those with whom he might not see eye to eye politically.

He added, “Regardless of our political stances, I’m thankful for those who understand my character and know I aim for positive change. We may disagree on the road to achieving that, but my intentions are good.” Despite the appreciation, he recognized the industry’s pushback: “I faced significant backlash because I voiced my thoughts during the last election and demanded accountability from companies like Pfizer.” Levi advocates for transparency and believes that many issues over the past few years have not been adequately addressed.

“When I feel we’re being misled, I just strive to keep moving forward and share the truth with love.”

— Zachary Levi

He elaborated on his stance, expressing the need for individual liberties while recognizing the limit when those freedoms infringe upon others. He pointed out how some left-leaning policies seem to overlook this balance, which in his view, often aligns with libertarian thoughts. “It’s complex,” he acknowledged, “but I believe in the importance of personal freedoms.”

About “Sarah’s Oil”

Levi’s latest project, “Sarah’s Oil,” which shines a light on the real-life story of Sarah Rector—an eleven-year-old black girl in the early 1900s who became a millionaire against all odds—has been years in development. Levi described his realization upon reading the script, saying it was hard to believe such a significant story had been largely overlooked.

He reflected, “When I read it, I was in disbelief. How is it that I, or anyone I know, had never heard of this before?” It tells of how Sarah’s faith led to the discovery of a major oil reserve on her land, catapulting her into fame and fortune.

Challenges in Filmmaking

Levi candidly shared the struggles faced in bringing “Sarah’s Oil” to fruition, mentioning it took longer than expected despite Hollywood’s claims of interest in such narratives. He portrayed his character, Bert Smith, as a supportive figure in Sarah’s journey, defining their relationship as one rooted in partnership.

Now, Levi is also focusing on a new venture—Wildwood Studios, a $100 million film production campus being built in Texas. He expressed his desire to foster a creator-friendly environment devoid of Hollywood’s political landscape.

“I want to cultivate a space where storytelling can thrive without an agenda attached,” he noted. Emphasizing quality over politics, he explained his vision isn’t to create conservative films as a response but to produce engaging narratives across various genres.

“Sarah’s Oil” is currently in theaters, awaiting its audience.