Zachary Levi Pulls A 'Stephen Amell': Clarifies Anti-Strike Comments

Zachary Levi takes a recent page from Stephen Amell and backtracks and clarifies statements that came off as against the actors and writers strike.

Similar to Amell, Levi also recently appeared at a convention where he said the SAG strike restrictions are “so dumb” and basically crossed the picket line and came off as a scab while he pretended not to promote his projects.

“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 with a laugh. “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.”

Stephen Amell crying about the #SAGAFTRA strike guidelines now we have Zachary Levi… pic.twitter.com/PnDyRuHfGL
— ⚡️PJ⚡️🌈 (@PJocky82) August 3, 2023

Zachary Levi says his comments were taken out of context, too

Worth a mention is that the strike isn’t likely harming someone like Levi who is worth millions of dollars, as Bob Iger has made it clear the studios are targeting those who will be forced out of their homes, so Levi’s comments weren’t taken lightly; however, now Zachary Levi clarifies things.

“It’s come to my attention that an offhand remark I made in jest last weekend is being taken out of context,” Levi said in a statement. “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. This strike is necessary to protect ourselves, our writers, and all those working in production who make the industry move.”

Levi continues, “But we also cannot forget our fans during this strik. 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.”

In a July Instagram post, Levi also wrote “[The studio executives] do not care about human life, they don’t care about, really, life in general. They care about profits. It’s always profit over people and not the other way around. … We need to be striking, we should have done this years ago.”

Regarding Stephen Amell, the actor known for Arrow and Heels, said the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike is “myopic,” “incredibly frustrating” and a “reductive negotiating tactic,” but then backtracked and said his comments were taken out of context.

Blue Beetle actor Xolo Maridueña also circumvented the SAG restrictions by letting his sister post a photo of him in front of promotions for the upcoming Blue Beetle movie. Maybe it’s a DC thing?