Zachary Levi Has Clarified His Controversial SAG-AFTRA Comments: "I Remain An Outspoken Critic Of The Exploitative System"

    "It’s come to my attention that an offhand remark I made in jest last weekend is being taken out of context."

    Mychal Thompson
    by Mychal Thompson

    BuzzFeed Staff

    Zachary Levi claimed his comments about the SAG-AFTRA strike he made last month are “being taken out of context.”

    closeup of him
    Jason Mendez / Getty Images

    Last month, in a TikTok of Zachary’s appearance at Comic-Con Manchester, the 42-year-old actor told the crowd, “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,” he said.

    @moviemaniacs

    Zachary Levi calls strike rules “so dumb”

    ♬ original sound - Movie Maniacs
    @moviemaniacs / Via tiktok.com

    “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.”

    closeup of him wearing a vest and slacks at an event
    Hubert Vestil / Getty Images

    And his comments created a debate among fans:

    Twitter: @spider_viking

    Twitter: @theJaiRoad

    Another user said, “He hasn’t said anything wrong! This isn’t even as bad as Stephen Amell… He never said he is against striking he just doesn’t agree with one rule, and he’s kinda right…” referring to the comments made by the Arrow star against the strike.

    Twitter: @RazorstarP

    As reported by Deadline, The Shazam! Fury of the Gods star has now released another statement to clarify his comments that he believed were misunderstood.

    him on the red carpet for the shazam premiere
    Amanda Edwards / FilmMagic

    “It’s come to my attention that an offhand remark I made in jest last weekend is being taken out of context,” he said. “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 us artists are subject to work in since I started my journey in this business 25 years ago.”

    him putting up 2 thumbs up during an interview
    Nbc / Todd Owyoung / NBC via Getty Images

    “This strike is necessary to protect ourselves, our writers, and all those working in production who make the industry move.”

    Albert L. Ortega / Getty Images

    “But we also cannot forget our fans during this strike,” he added. “Fans that spend their money and energy traveling far distances to talk with us about our work that means so much to them, we should be able to engage. Our business exists and succeeds because of the fans, and I think it’s imperative we appreciate them for their support of our careers.”

    closeup of him in a suit
    Steve Granitz / FilmMagic

    The SAG-AFTRA strike has continued alongside the already underway WGA strike against the AMPTP since July 14, 2023.

    Learn more about the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes here.