I’m pretty sure Zachary Levi thinks that we didn’t take reading comprehension in school. Or that we can’t understand the words that are coming out of his mouth. Because at Comic Con Manchester last month he had some choice words about what was going on in Hollywood when it came to the strike. In a video uploaded to TikTok, Levy said, “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 then went and referenced his time voice acting for Tangled and the TV show Chuck. But, he didn’t name them explicitly. And that’s what was bugging him.
He then tried to backpedal when the backlash online was swift.
According to Deadline, Levi said, “It’s come to my attention that an offhand remark I made in jest last weekend is being taken out of context.” He then went and reaffirmed his support for the WGA, his Union of SAG-AFTRA, and the strike in general. But it’s this final bit about fans that really gets me going and makes me feel like I’m being gaslit. He asked for people to think about the fans. “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.”
Sorry to tell you this, Zachary Levi. Wait. I’m not sorry. Fans support the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Not all fans of course. But this fan supports the Hollywood strike and I know plenty of fans who also support it. We are willing to wait and rally around writers and actors if it means that they get better pay and job security. It’s that simple. It’s like he doesn’t even know fans in the first place. Because if there’s anything that we are known for is for taking on social causes within our fandoms. We have made donations, become advocates for important causes, and have supported so many projects that help out people all around the world. But Levi thinks that we only care about the next season or upcoming blockbuster.
Believe it or not we can multitask and care about getting more content but also that the people bringing this content to life aren’t pinching pennies to get by. Because the matter of fact is that if these actors and writers are struggling and not giving their best, the shows and movies that were waiting for won’t be to the highest quality. So yes we will also wait because of that reason. But again it’s also because no one deserves to struggle this much when big studio heads and the AMPTP are making millions upon millions based on their work. It’s ridiculous and in no way fair as well to not give into their demands like job security where AI doesn’t take their work. Because AI can’t write the trauma, joys, and downs that we have experienced. And AI can’t bring it to life the way that actors can.
At the end of the day, the only foolish looking one here is Zachary Levi. His scabby comments in combination with Stephen Amell’s, speaks of an openly audacious group of celebrities in Hollywood who aren’t the biggest ones out there but think that they’re hot shit enough where they don’t have to follow the rules. And like amell, Levi thinks that he can twist it around and make it about the fans. We’re good. Will wait. Can you? After this Comic-Con in Manchester It looks like you can’t. But you do you and continue acting like we misunderstood your words. We took reading comprehension in school. We understood you clearly and we’ll see you on Scabs of TikTok when he even tips over and crosses that picket line.
