Surprising Revelation: Yet Another DC Actor Criticizes the SAG-AFTRA Strike!

Highlights

The regulations imposed by the Screen Actors Guild regarding the ongoing strike action have come under scrutiny from Shazam! star Zachary Levi, who finds it restrictive that he is barred from discussing his past endeavors or endorsing his present ventures.

Shazam! Fury of the Gods did not perform well at the box office, but Levi's standing remains unaffected. He recently spoke at a fan event and subtly alluded to his previous successful projects.

Levi's surprising critique of the strike action contrasts with his typically mild demeanor and has attracted criticism online. However, it is crucial to acknowledge the significance of the union's objectives for the industry.

Shazam! actor Zachary Levi has expressed his frustrations with the ongoing strike action taken by the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, of which he is a member. Levi is one of the few individuals openly criticizing the terms of the strike.

Starting with Shazam! in 2019 and continuing with the sequel Shazam! Fury of the Gods in 2023, the DCEU's Shazam franchise follows the adventures of Billy Batson, a young boy living in a foster home who embarks on a quest to find his birth mother. His life takes a dramatic turn when an ancient wizard grants him the power of six gods, transforming him into a tall, handsome, and powerful Grecian god whenever he says the word "Shazam," a role expertly portrayed by Levi in the film. Unfortunately, the latest installment did not perform as well as the first, with Shazam! Fury of the Gods' box office results falling below expectations.

Despite the disappointing performance of Shazam 2, Levi's reputation and support from his fans remained intact. He was recently invited to speak at a fan event, but had to approach his speech in a different manner due to the rules imposed by the SAG-AFTRA union's strike action. These rules prohibit guild members from promoting their projects, including any past works that could be supported through streaming. Despite these restrictions, Levi voiced his criticism of the rules and indirectly acknowledged some of his popular roles. At the same time, fellow DC actor Stephen Amell, known for his role in the Arrowverse, also spoke out against the actor's strike, sparking online discussions.

While it was expected that some people would disagree with the strike action, which received a 98% vote in favor, few could have predicted criticism from Shazam actor Levi, who is generally known for his mild demeanor. Although Levi has recently voiced his opinion on negative Shazam 2 reviews, he is not known for expressing strong opinions. While it is important to consider Levi's viewpoint as a union member, some individuals on the internet have taken his comments out of context and blown them out of proportion.

The Guild's actions have received unwarranted negative attention, including trolls mocking the strikes, as experienced by Andy Serkis, an actor from Lord of the Rings. Despite Levi's more sincere and understandable sentiments regarding the strike methods, there is validity to many of the union's objectives. The industry is currently facing challenges that cannot be overcome without the support and fair treatment of actors, writers, and other professionals.

Shazam! and Shazam! Fury of the Gods are now available for streaming on Max.

Source: Movie Maniacs (via ComicBook)