Zachary Levi Reveals Shocking Industry Secret: Why Actors Aren't 'Allowed to Discuss' Past Work - SAG Strike Update

Zachary Levi's recent remarks on the effects of the SAG-AFTRA strike guidelines on actors' ability to talk about their work has left his fans divided. The 42-year-old actor expressed his opinions on these limitations in a TikTok video posted on August 3, filmed seemingly at Comic Con Manchester in July. During the clip, Levi made vague references to his previous ventures, such as Shazam, Chuck, and Tangled, while casually pacing across the stage.

"I'm not at liberty to discuss - it's quite absurd. I'm prohibited from discussing any of my past professional endeavors," he shared with amusement to the audience. "I'm unable to talk about potential superhero film roles or any TV shows where I may have portrayed a geeky employee at a Best Buy. I'm also unable to discuss my outstanding performances in animated princess movies as the ultimate prince. These subjects are strictly off-limits."

Levi's lighthearted tone leaves social media users perplexed about his stance. While some fans believed that Levi was merely amusing the crowd at the event - which was likely scheduled prior to the commencement of the strike - others didn't perceive the labor dispute as a joking matter.

"If they have any complaints, they should direct them towards the [studios] instead of blaming the union for trying to protect their jobs!" expressed one Twitter user. Another fan also pointed out that actors still have the ability to discuss various topics without explicitly referring to the projects they worked on prior to the strike.

Currently, SAG-AFTRA is engaged in a strike against the Alliance of Motion Pictures and Television Producers (AMPTP), the representative body for Hollywood film studios. The lack of an agreement between the organizations regarding a new contract has prompted the actors union to take decisive action. The Writers Guild of America (WGA) also initiated its own strike earlier this year, resulting in an overall standstill in the entertainment industry.

Jack Dylan Grazer and Zachary Levi in ‘Shazam!’. Warner Bros/DC Comics/Kobal/Shutterstock

Levi, despite playfully commenting on the rules, has been vocal about the strike's significance. In a post on Instagram in July, he expressed his belief that studio executives prioritize profits over human life and the well-being of individuals. Levi emphasized the importance of striking and suggested that it should have been done much earlier.

Levi's Comic Con appearance gained widespread attention online after fellow DC Comics star Stephen Amell made headlines with his own stance on the strike. During his appearance at GalaxyCon in North Carolina, Amell, 42, expressed his support for his union but voiced his opposition to striking, considering it a tactic that simplifies negotiations. He admitted feeling immense frustration at not being able to celebrate his work.

Amidst online backlash, Amell took to Instagram to provide clarity on his perspective, emphasizing his unwavering support for SAG-AFTRA. He acknowledged the complexity of the leadership's role and expressed his gratitude for their efforts. On Tuesday, August 1, he conveyed his understanding of the reasons behind the strike while acknowledging the emotional frustration experienced by all parties involved.

Amell reassured fans that he would “stand with” the union in their fight against the studios, adding, “When you see me on a picket line please don’t whip any hard fruit.”