Zachary Levi, known for his role in Shazam! and as the voice actor for Disney’s Rapunzel in Tangled, has criticized Hollywood for producing subpar films and has called on audiences to demand higher quality. Levi expressed his thoughts during a panel discussion at Fan Expo Chicago, where he spoke about the lack of consideration by the film industry for its audience.
According to Entertainment Weekly, Levi stated that Hollywood doesn’t put in enough effort to create consistently entertaining content. He highlighted the disappointment many audience members feel after watching a film that appeared promising in trailers but ultimately didn’t deliver. Levi believes that the industry takes advantage of the fact that once people have bought tickets and are seated in the theater, they have already secured their money.
To bring about change, Levi encouraged audiences to actively reject garbage films. By not supporting low-quality content, he believes that the industry will be compelled to produce better movies. Levi emphasized that audiences have the power to make a difference simply by choosing not to attend films that are subpar in quality.
Levi’s recent film, Shazam! Fury of the Gods, a sequel to the 2019 hit Shazam!, received mixed reviews from critics. Despite featuring stars like Helen Mirren, Adam Brody, and Lucy Liu, the film failed to impress some reviewers. The Independent’s critic gave it a two-star rating and noted its messy execution and lack of genuine affection.
This is not the first time Levi has made controversial remarks about the film industry. Earlier this month, he had to clarify comments he made regarding the rules of the current actors’ strike at Comic Con Manchester. Levi had described the rules as so dumb, causing backlash from the industry and fellow actors. In response, he stated that his words were taken out of context and that he fully supports the strike and his union.
Levi, who has been in the entertainment industry for 25 years, remains vocal about what he perceives as an exploitative system that artists are subjected to. He desires improvements in the industry and believes it is essential for actors and other industry professionals to have fair working conditions.
With his candid remarks, Levi has ignited discussions about the quality of films being produced in Hollywood. While his criticisms may not sit well with everyone, they have opened up a conversation about the importance of audience demand for higher-quality content. Whether this will lead to significant changes in the industry remains to be seen. However, Levi’s call to actively choose not to support subpar films may resonate with those seeking better entertainment experiences.
