Actor Zachary Levi, known for his role in the movie Shazam!, backed Donald Trump for president in 2024, causing controversy in liberal Hollywood. A source close to Levi claimed that the actor was bitter about not reaching the levels of stardom achieved by actors like Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson or Chris Evans after being cast as Shazam. Despite initially living in Los Angeles, Levi moved to a ranch in Texas in 2017 and has since appeared in movies like Harold and The Purple Crayon and American Underdog, both of which received mixed reviews and performed poorly at the box office. His public endorsement of Trump at a political event in Michigan came after his disillusionment with other candidates in the election.
Levi revealed his support for Trump at a rally in Michigan by expressing his belief that Trump, with his backing and support, was the best option among the limited choices available. He spoke about previously considering other candidates like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. but ultimately believed that Trump had the qualities needed to lead the country in the right direction. Despite his current endorsement, Levi had openly expressed his disapproval of Trump’s behavior in the past, calling him vulgar, callous, and lacking empathy. His shift in political stance was surprising to some, but Levi seemed convinced that his decision was the best course of action for a better future.
The actor’s disappointment with the performance of the Shazam! sequel, both critically and financially, led to speculation that Dwayne Johnson, who vetoed a potential cameo by Levi in his own movie Black Adam, played a role in the movie’s underperformance. Levi’s confirmation of this report on social media added fuel to the controversy. However, the actor has not shied away from expressing his opinions on various topics, including skepticism of vaccines and criticism of the SAG-AFTRA strike. His political views have shifted over time, with his decision to endorse Trump marking a significant change from his previous statements about the former president.
Levi’s endorsement of Trump puts him in the company of other celebrities like Hulk Hogan, Kid Rock, and Elon Musk, who have publicly expressed their support for the former president. Despite facing backlash from Hollywood and his fans, Levi stood by his decision to back Trump based on his assessment of the candidate’s ability to lead the country in a positive direction. His career trajectory, from aspiring to reach the levels of success achieved by actors like The Rock and Chris Evans to facing disappointment with the performance of his recent projects, is reflective of the challenges and opportunities in the entertainment industry. Levi’s outspoken views on politics and experience in Hollywood showcase the complexities of navigating fame and personal beliefs in a public arena.
While the fallout from Levi’s endorsement of Trump continues to generate debate and controversy, the actor remains committed to his decision, despite criticism and backlash from various quarters. His journey from aspiring to achieve A-list stardom to facing disappointment with the performance of his recent movies highlights the unpredictable nature of the entertainment industry. Levi’s public support of Trump, while unexpected to some, underscores the diversity of opinions and views within the Hollywood community. As he continues to navigate his career and personal beliefs, Levi’s experiences provide insights into the complexities of fame, politics, and the ongoing challenges of balancing personal convictions with public expectations.
