Zachary Levi’s criticized tweet (“Shazam!”) about Pfizer reveals other past Twitter controversies

Warner Bros. and DC Studios don’t win by being upset. In addition to the company’s restructuring, which has led to numerous layoffs, cancellations and a complete reset of its DC Universe, recently, many of its stars have been embroiled in controversies that have overshadowed their premieres. JK Rowling’s (“Harry Potter”) views on gender and trans people, the behind-the-scenes media turmoil of “Don’t Worry, My Darling”, the trial of Johnny Depp (“Fantastic Beasts”) and Amber Heard ( “Aquaman”) or Ezra Miller’s erratic and criminal behavior (“The Flash”) marred the launch of several projects, giving more talk about what goes on behind the scenes than about the films themselves.

Now ‘Shazam!’ star Zachary Levi and his upcoming sequel, ‘Shazam! The Fury of the Gods’, which sparked a flurry of criticism against him following a short tweet that many interpreted as an anti-vaccine message. On Jan. 29, just weeks before the start of his promotional tour for the new DC film, Levi shared entrepreneur Lyndon Wood’s tweet asking his followers whether or not they believed Pfizer was a danger to the world, according to says the actor. he replied: “Totally agree”.

Hardcore agree. ? https://t.co/goeEf5UQ5s

? Zachary Levi (@ZacharyLevi) January 29, 2023

While Levi’s tweet could be interpreted as a criticism of the major pharmaceutical company’s practices in general, the fact that the original message came from a person known for his spread of conspiracy theories, his advocacy of cryptocurrencies and his outspoken anti-vaccination positionshas led to the DC interpreter receiving criticism for supporting him, especially at a sensitive time when misinformation continues to grow and numerous home videos of people simulating tremors as alleged side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine are spreading.

To the strong public reaction, Levi posted a second tweet tying into a 2009 US Justice Department rumor about the amount Pfizer had to pay ($2.3 billion) for the fraudulent marketing, adding: “An example of what I’m referring to…”. The explanation was enough for some to support the 42-year-old interpreter, but others weren’t convinced, noting that he knew what he was doing when he shared a blatantly anti-vaccine tweet. From there, Other Twitter users have raised Levi’s past controversies over his political and religious views, as well as his association with far-right figures..

Just an example of what I’m referring to…?https://t.co/5xCpCSCDrl

? Zachary Levi (@ZacharyLevi) January 29, 2023

It’s not the first time that Levi has intervened on pharmaceutical products as part of the anti-vaccine movement. Earlier this month, Levi shared a clip from his appearance on health and fitness guru Shawn Stevenson’s podcast, ‘The Model Health Show,’ in which he criticizes the advertising system of drug companies, which sell their drugs with idyllic places where side effects are not mentioned. Nothing extraordinary, except that before, He also followed the popular podcast of Joe Rogan, a libertarian figure also known for spreading conspiracy theories about science and COVID-19. (and for defending Gina Carano after she was fired from “The Mandalorian” over her controversial internet comments).

There, Levi expressed his admiration for Jordan Peterson, a self-help guru who is very popular among white Cishetero men. whose Twitter account was suspended for transphobic comments against Elliot Pageand that the protagonist of “Chuck” considers “one of the deepest thinkers I’ve ever heard analyze human behavior”. In a clip from the show shared on Twitter, Rogan refers to Page by his deadname (the name he was given at birth and left when he passed), and Levi doesn’t correct it, a gesture (or lack thereof) . some didn’t like it.

While everyone is dragging Zachary Levi about this, don’t forget it was just a show of Rogan admiring a transphobe and didn’t say a word when Rogan misrepresented Elliot Page. It’s scum.pic.twitter.com/656kJbkVMa https://t.co/JTslUEnHyC

? wolf | ?????? (@lothwolfe) January 29, 2023

This has led to the retrieval of other old tweets that may illustrate a pattern. In one of May 2018, the actor accused of “sexist and racist” the idea that men can’t lead conversations about sexism and whites about racism. While in another of 2020, He made it clear that he is not a conservative or a Trump voter (whose behavior he described as “vulgar, cruel, narcissistic and without empathy”), but said he understood those who supported him, why “He was the only candidate they felt concerned about their needs”.

And, with all due respect to you, to say that men can’t have meaningful conversations about sexism, and white people can’t have meaningful conversations about racism, is both sexist and racist. Truth cares not for privilege, nor for those who seek it. ? https://t.co/JxQP0P4h3u

? Zachary Levi (@ZacharyLevi) May 1, 2018

I am not a fan or supporter of Trump and find his behavior crass, insensitive, narcissistic and lacking in empathy. And while I’m not a Conservative, I know many who supported 45 not because they liked them, but because he was the only candidate they felt interested in their needs. https://t.co/6JuzZKWyF6

? Zachary Levi (@ZacharyLevi) November 8, 2020

Another point of contention surrounding Levi is his Christian faith, which is often associated with conservative thinking. The actor recently revealed in his memoirs (“Radical Love: Learning to Accept Yourself and Others”) that religion helped him out of his depression and self-destructive behavior, affirming it “We are all children of God and we all deserve to be loved on every possible level. I think it’s the most important thing that Christ tried to make us understand when He was here.” Since his leap into Christianity, Levi’s social media posts often include messages about God and faith. For all of this, his case is being associating with that of Chris Pratt, criticized for his alleged political ideologies, his passion for hunting and weapons and his link with the ultra-Christian faith.

Zachary Levi is who you think Chris Pratt is?

? Hav (@thebeldamm) January 29, 2023

“Zachary Levi is what you all think Chris Pratt is”.

Shazam in the new DC Universe?

The sequel to ‘Shazam!’ hits theaters March 17. It remains to be seen whether Levi’s controversy will end up affecting the film in any way, but according to what the actor himself recently clarified, Initially, the superhero played by Levi would be safe from the screening that James Gunn and Peter Safran, the new directors of DC Studios, have made for the new DC Universe., whose plan is about to be revealed. While the producing duo intend to break with the old regime put in place by Zack Snyder, there seems to be an intention to keep some parts of it, and Shazam could be one of the survivors of the new era of the studio. Even if nothing is 100% certain, as the case of Henry Cavill showed us.

Directed by David F. Sandberg, repeating after directing the first episode, and with new additions from Helen Mirren, Lucy Liu and Rachel Zegler, ‘Shazam! Wrath of the Gods brings us back to Billy Batson (aka Shazam) and his family of superheroes, who this time they face the Daughters of Atlas, a vengeful trio of ancient goddesses who come to Earth in search of the magic stolen from them long ago..