Zachary Levi, known for his role as the titular character in Shazam! Fury of the Gods, is facing financial difficulties after being hit with a $6,898 tax debt in Oklahoma, as confirmed by In Touch.
Documents reveal that the debt, dating back to April 18, 2023, remains unresolved. This financial strain comes amid a period of public controversy for the actor, who has faced backlash for comments made on social media. In January 2023, Levi responded to a tweet criticizing pharmaceutical company Pfizer, which produced the COVID-19 vaccine, by stating he “hardcore agree[d]” that Pfizer was a danger to the world.
Many interpreted his comments as an anti-vaccination stance, leading to widespread criticism, although Levi did not directly confirm this interpretation.
On the cinematic front, Levi’s latest film, Shazam! Fury of the Gods, struggled at the box office, grossing significantly less than its predecessor, Shazam!, on its opening weekend. While the original earned over $50 million during its debut, the sequel garnered just over half of that, leading Levi to voice his frustration.
He blamed the poor performance on inadequate marketing, stating that many families were unaware of the film’s appeal as a fun, family-friendly movie. Despite the film’s underperformance, Levi remained optimistic, telling fans during an Instagram Live session that although it was disappointing, he believed the film was a quality production.
Adding to the scrutiny surrounding Levi, in August 2023, he made headlines for comments at the Chicago Fan Expo where he expressed his frustration with the state of Hollywood films.
Levi encouraged fans to “actively not choose” what he referred to as “garbage” movies, criticizing the industry for putting out content that, in his view, lacks quality and respect for audiences.
His comments sparked further debate about his outspoken views on the entertainment industry and what he sees as a decline in the standard of filmmaking.
Amid this turbulent period, Levi remains defiant. He addressed criticism from fans, particularly those loyal to Zack Snyder’s DC films, who were allegedly hoping for Shazam! to fail. Levi expressed confidence in his approach to comic book films, reminding audiences that the original Captain Marvel comics, from which Shazam! originated, were designed to be fun and lighthearted.
He noted the importance of humor and escapism in superhero films, pushing back against the notion that comic book movies should only be dark and intense.
Despite these challenges, Levi has remained dedicated to his craft, navigating the intersection of his acting career, personal views, and public persona as he continues to work in the entertainment industry.
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