After Backing Donald Trump, Disney Star Claims Industry Won’t Work With Him
In Hollywood, an actor’s career can be influenced by a wide range of factors — from box office successes and critical acclaim to the relationships they build within the industry. Sometimes, it’s not just talent or past work that shapes opportunities, but also the personal views and public stances celebrities take. Navigating this complicated landscape can be tricky, especially when political opinions become part of the conversation.
Recently, one former Disney favorite has spoken out about the repercussions he says he’s faced after publicly supporting a controversial political figure.
Related: Whoopi Goldberg Calls Out Disney Star After Controversial Endorsement
Zachary Levi first became a familiar voice to Disney fans when he played Flynn Rider in the wildly successful 2010 animated film Tangled. His charming portrayal of the roguish thief captured the hearts of audiences and led to him reprising the role in numerous Disney projects, including video games, short films, and television series related to the Tangled franchise.
The actor’s career continued to grow, most notably when he starred as the superhero Shazam in the DC films. The original Shazam! did well at the box office, earning over $350 million, but the sequel, Shazam! Fury of the Gods, was less successful.
Levi’s public image took a different turn when he openly voiced his support for Donald Trump, having initially backed Robert Kennedy Jr. in his presidential bid. Raised in a conservative Christian household with a deep distrust of the government, Levi’s political views began to make headlines and divide his fanbase.
Related: After ‘Snow White’s’ Struggles, Disney Delays ‘Tangled’ Live-Action Reboot
However, it was not just his political stance that stirred controversy. In October 2024, Levi claimed on Instagram Live that the COVID-19 vaccine had caused the death of Broadway star Gavin Creel, who had been battling cancer. Levi asserted that Creel was forced to receive the vaccine to continue performing, which he alleged transformed the illness into what he called a “turbo cancer.” These claims were made without scientific evidence and quickly drew criticism.
Two months later, actress Laura Benanti, who starred alongside both Levi and Creel in the Broadway production She Loves Me, publicly slammed Levi’s statements. She expressed a longstanding dislike for Levi and condemned his use of Creel’s death to promote false narratives. Benanti’s remarks underscored the tension Levi’s views have created within the entertainment community.
The fallout from these controversies has apparently affected Levi’s career opportunities.
According to a recent report from Variety, Levi has said that many people in the industry prefer not to work with him because of his opinions.
Levi explained:
“I know that there are people that would prefer not to work with me now because of my opinions. My team has let me know,” he says as he nods in the direction of Beverly Hills, where his agents at UTA are headquartered. “They haven’t given me any specific names, but there are people who prefer not to work with me at this time. And it’s unfortunate. I knew that was probably going to happen. I didn’t make this decision blindly or casually.”
Related: Disney Star Blasted For Falsely Saying COVID Vaccine Killed His Friend
Despite this, Levi notes that his outspokenness has inspired some actors who want to collaborate with him, although he did not identify who those individuals are.
Currently, Levi has several projects in various stages of production and release. These include the completed films Not Without Hope and Sarah’s Oil, both scheduled for release this year. Additionally, Hotel Tehran is listed as “In Production,” while Free Fall and Undercover are in “Pre-Production.”
What do you think? Did Zachary Levi overstep when commenting on Gavin Creel’s death and the COVID-19 vaccine? Can you understand why some people might not want to work with him anymore? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
Let’s be real here. He was a sub-par actor. His opinions are detestable, but his “acting” was never anything to talk about or remember.
SO true!!
His opinions are neither detestable nor commendable; they’re merely his viewpoint which he is, thank goodness, free to express. What is despicable is the belief of some people who possess a superior moral attitude which they believe gives them the right to label others opinions “detestable”. It’s no different than labeling half the country as a “basket of deplorables.” Its phrases and attitudes like than loses elections.
Oh brother…. I think he is a good actor and applaud him for taking a stand and not following and taking the easy was out. I miss the days when people could have a difference of opinion and it was respected… now it’s hated. What a terrible way to be. So sad.
I REMEMBER WHEN BARBARA WALTERS WAS ON HER OWN SHOW AND WHOOPIE AND BEHAR WERE SO GIDDY THAT DONALD TRUMP WAS ON AS A SPECIAL GUEST THEY WERE READY TO HAVE A FEMALE “EXPERIENCE “
Now they despise him and in return have resulted in the show being a total disgusting failure with some very big celebrities calling them out live on air
controversial? I will be unsubscribing. You are out of touch. You do know the #’s that voted Trump, correct??
And you think the COVID Vax is safe?? Wow. This is way too far, even for you.
I think Mr Levi has the right to express his opinion. All thru the pandemic, the left blamed the disease for all sorts of deaths, cancer, motor cycle accidents, etc.
But they “officials” covered up deaths due to the vaccine.
Apparently that behavior continues today.
Over 300 acting credits…some voice and many full performing, including 91 episodes as the main character of the series Chuck.
Yet this author and a few commentors dismiss his acting.
It conti us to be true that if you won’t roll around in the mud with the pigs, the farmers throw you out.
Isn’t this America?? Where free speech and your right to choose who to vote for are still allowed?? This is a form of abuse?! Then the rest of the country who voted for Trump, doesn’t need to support a company like this!
Zachary is a good actor. And I’ve enjoyed many of his works. He is entitled to his opinion, just as we all are. However when one is in the public eye and speaks misleading and false info, well that changes things. Some people will take as gospel anything said by a politician or beloved actor.