A Rocky Start in Shazam! Fury of the Gods

Zachary Levi, 44, and Rachel Zegler, 23, first crossed paths on the set of Shazam! Fury of the Gods, the 2023 sequel to the 2019 superhero film Shazam!. Levi reprised his role as the titular hero, while Zegler played Anthea, one of the daughters of Atlas, marking her first major role in a comic book franchise. The film, however, failed to replicate the success of its predecessor, earning mixed reviews and underperforming at the box office with a global haul of just $134 million against a $125 million budget. Critics pointed to a lack of cohesion in the narrative, and some fans felt the chemistry between the cast, including Levi and Zegler, was lacking.

Behind the scenes, tensions were reportedly brewing. According to Levi’s recent interview, the two actors struggled to connect due to their differing personalities and worldviews. “Rachel and I didn’t exactly see eye to eye on a lot of things,” Levi admitted. “She’s incredibly talented, but we come from very different places, and that created some friction.” Levi, a vocal supporter of Donald Trump and a self-described conservative, has been open about his political beliefs, which have put him at odds with much of Hollywood’s predominantly liberal culture. Zegler, on the other hand, has been a staunch progressive, known for her outspoken criticism of Trump and his supporters, as well as her advocacy for social justice issues.

Their differing political stances became a significant point of contention. In November 2024, following Trump’s election victory, Zegler posted on Instagram, “May Trump supporters and Trump voters and Trump himself never know peace,” a statement that drew widespread backlash. Levi, who had endorsed Trump during the 2024 campaign while hosting Team Trump’s Reclaim America Tour, was reportedly taken aback by Zegler’s comments. “I don’t criticize people for having different beliefs,” Levi said in his interview, “but her post felt personal, especially since we had worked together. It made things awkward.”

Public Backlash and Professional Fallout

The strained relationship between Levi and Zegler has been exacerbated by the broader controversies surrounding both actors. Zegler’s career has been under intense scrutiny since her role in Disney’s live-action Snow White, which premiered earlier in 2025 and was met with critical and commercial disappointment. The film, which faced backlash for its “woke” reimagining of the classic tale, earned a dismal 42% on Rotten Tomatoes and failed to recoup its massive budget. Many attributed the flop to Zegler’s polarizing public persona, including her comments criticizing the original 1937 Snow White film as “sexist” and her political outbursts, which alienated a significant portion of Disney’s audience.

Levi, meanwhile, has faced his own challenges in Hollywood due to his political views. In the same interview, he revealed that his support for Trump has led to professional repercussions, with some industry figures refusing to work with him. “My team at United Talent Agency told me there are people who prefer not to work with me at this time,” Levi shared. “It’s unfortunate, but I knew that was probably going to happen.” Despite this, Levi remains unapologetic, emphasizing that he didn’t make his political decisions “blindly or casually.” His comments about Zegler, however, suggest that their professional fallout may have been influenced by these broader tensions, as their differing ideologies created a rift that was difficult to bridge on set.

Levi’s remarks about Zegler were notably diplomatic, reflecting his desire to avoid further conflict. “I think we have to recognize that a lot of times people’s decisions are predicated upon the bad information they’re being fed,” he said, seemingly alluding to Zegler’s political views. “I don’t hold any hard feelings toward her, but it’s been tough to maintain a good relationship given everything that’s happened.” This sentiment echoes Levi’s broader call for understanding in Hollywood, as he has previously encouraged “closeted conservatives” in the industry to speak out.

A Tale of Two Careers: Diverging Paths

The fallout between Levi and Zegler comes at a pivotal moment for both actors. Zegler, once hailed as a rising star after her breakout role in Steven Spielberg’s 2021 West Side Story, has struggled to maintain her early momentum. Her filmography since then—including Shazam! Fury of the Gods, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, and Snow White—has been marred by controversy and underwhelming box office performances. Critics have praised her talent, with some noting her “dazzling” performance in Snow White despite the film’s flaws, but her public image has taken a hit. An article highlighted the unfairness of the criticism Zegler has faced, pointing out that her involvement in controversial projects often overshadows her abilities as an actress.

In an effort to pivot, Zegler has returned to her musical roots, releasing a cover of “Who I’d Be” from Shrek the Musical in March 2025. She has also updated her Instagram bio multiple times amid the Snow White controversy, with her latest bio reading “Lenny’s mom,” a reference to her dog, signaling a desire to step back from the spotlight. As of now, Zegler has no confirmed upcoming projects, a stark contrast to the flurry of roles she secured after West Side Story.

Levi, on the other hand, is taking a different approach to his career challenges. Despite the Hollywood backlash, he is moving forward with an ambitious plan to build a $100 million studio in Austin, Texas, featuring 20,000 square-foot soundstages, performance venues, and hospitality options. The project, which he is currently fundraising for, aims to create a space where diverse voices can thrive, away from the “far-left politics” and “intolerance” he believes dominate the entertainment industry. “I don’t care if people don’t want to work with me,” Levi stated. “I’m building something new, something that reflects my values and allows me to keep creating.”

Levi’s personal life has also seen a positive turn, with the actor welcoming his first child, Henson Ezra Levi Pugh, with girlfriend Maggie Keating on April 2, 2025. The milestone has brought Levi a sense of grounding amid his professional struggles, and he remains optimistic about his future in the industry, expressing a willingness to return for a third Shazam! film if the opportunity arises.

A Broader Reflection: Hollywood’s Divide

The strained relationship between Zachary Levi and Rachel Zegler is emblematic of the broader cultural and political divide within Hollywood. The entertainment industry has long been a battleground for ideological conflicts, with actors like Levi facing ostracism for their conservative views, while others like Zegler are criticized for their progressive activism. The tension between the two reflects a larger struggle over representation, authenticity, and the role of personal beliefs in professional spaces.

Levi’s comments about Zegler, while measured, highlight the challenges of maintaining professional relationships in an industry where personal beliefs can become public liabilities. His call for grace toward Zegler, despite their differences, suggests a desire for reconciliation, but the reality of their strained dynamic underscores the difficulty of bridging such divides. Zegler, for her part, has not publicly responded to Levi’s remarks, focusing instead on her next steps after the Snow White debacle.

The public reaction to this revelation has been mixed. On social media platforms, some fans have expressed sympathy for Levi, with one user posting, “Zachary Levi showing grace to Rachel Zegler despite their issues is commendable—he’s trying to rise above the drama.” Others, however, see the situation as a symptom of Hollywood’s broader dysfunction, with another user commenting, “Levi and Zegler’s fallout just shows how toxic this industry is. Everyone’s too busy fighting over politics to make good movies.”

Moving Forward: Lessons in Grace and Resilience

As of May 23, 2025, the story of Zachary Levi and Rachel Zegler’s strained relationship continues to resonate, offering a window into the challenges of navigating fame, politics, and personal differences in Hollywood. For Levi, the experience has reinforced his commitment to building a new creative space in Texas, where he hopes to foster a more inclusive environment for artists of all perspectives. For Zegler, the fallout with Levi is just one chapter in a tumultuous period, but her talent and resilience suggest she has the potential to rebound, perhaps by focusing on projects that allow her to reconnect with audiences on her own terms.

Their story serves as a reminder of the human cost of Hollywood’s culture wars, where personal relationships can become collateral damage in the battle over ideology. Yet, Levi’s willingness to extend grace to Zegler, despite their differences, offers a glimmer of hope—that even in an industry marked by division, there is room for understanding and growth. As both actors chart their paths forward, the lessons from their rocky relationship may inspire others in Hollywood to seek common ground, proving that sometimes, the most powerful stories are those of redemption and reconciliation.