What happened in this episode?
Actor Zachary Levi joins Patrick Bet-David to discuss the career and personal fallout he says followed his public political comments, and to outline a proposed alternative production hub in Texas. Levi claims speaking out about Covid-era issues and endorsing figures including Robert F Kennedy Jr and Donald Trump cost him “pro millions” and contributed to him no longer landing “larger studio movies”. He alleges a “massive smear campaign” and “hit pieces” after a tweet criticising Pfizer, saying unnamed project stakeholders urged him to delete it.
Levi argues that many in Hollywood keep political views private, claiming unnamed “significant names” messaged him support while fearing job losses; he estimates “easily” 25% of the industry is conservative or libertarian, an assertion offered without evidence. He also says he was asked whether to run for California governor after criticising the state’s leadership, but that advisers warned a governor campaign could require at least $100m and would clash with his business ambitions.
The conversation includes an extended account of Levi’s family history, including his mother’s mental illness and alcoholism and a confrontation in which he recalls her saying she would be happier if he were dead. Levi describes a three-week clinical mental health programme in Connecticut before he was cast as Shazam, and credits therapy and faith for recovery. He promotes his new film Angel and the Bad Man and details his Wildwood Studios pitch: a 75-acre Austin development seeking $15m in equity, framed as a way to preserve human-made arts as AI tools advance.
