Variety Admits to Hollywood Blacklist 2.0, Doesn’t Care

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Zachary Levi knew he was taking a risk by endorsing President Donald Trump last year.

The “Shazam!” alum dubbed it, “career suicide.”

In a contrasting opinion, talk show host Whoopi Goldberg from “The View,” often perceived as less informed among TV pundits, expressed her disagreement. However, the facts seem to point in another direction. If you were to ask actors like Kevin Sorbo, James Woods, or numerous lesser-known artists who usually remain quiet due to potential career repercussions, they might tell a different story.

Currently, it’s acknowledged that Levi’s political opinions may have negatively impacted his career, a few months following his endorsement. Notably, Variety seems unconcerned about this development as they lean towards the liberal spectrum.

No outrage. No worries about the First Amendment. No cries of “fascism.” Nothing.

Why?

Diversity prefers things in this manner. The media seems to prefer conservative celebrities to remain fearful and silent. Could there be another perspective on this matter? We’re eager to learn more.

In an interview with Variety, Levi discusses several topics, including his ambition to establish a film production company in Austin, Texas, and his belief that the current state of Hollywood might not last until 2025.

A possible rephrased version could be: The profile under examination appears benign, not malicious or harsh. However, let’s examine passages such as Levi expressing doubts about the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines.

Levi, much like his fellow superhero colleagues Letitia Wright and Evangeline Lilly, faced potential career setbacks due to vaccine skepticism. However, he chose to firmly support his stance. In the following year, he publicly endorsed Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a figure often criticized in Hollywood for amplifying concerns about immunization schedules and COVID-19 boosters.

Levi, similar to his fellow superhero peers Letitia Wright and Evangeline Lilly, faced potential career repercussions due to vaccine doubts. Nevertheless, he stood firm in his beliefs. The following year, he publicly supported Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a controversial figure in Hollywood for spreading apprehensions about immunization regimens and COVID-19 boosters.

Although Joe Rogan remains unchallenged as Spotify’s prized podcast host, and Woody Harrelson escapes scrutiny due to his controversial stance on vaccines being an exception to Hollywood norms, Levi finds himself in a precarious position; his career was already on the decline before expressing his views.

In a hypothetical scenario, one might say that Variety assumes as if it’s still 2021, and COVID-19 boosters worked as the media claimed they would – shielding individuals from contracting the virus and transmitting it to others. As for side effects, they seem non-existent according to this perspective.

Today, our understanding has significantly improved, and now, the administration has temporarily paused booster shots for individuals aged 65 and above.

At one point, Levi had doubts about their effectiveness, and as it turned out, his skepticism was largely justified. Yet, for expressing such truth, the actor should still face consequences.

Was there any professional repercussion faced by Arnold Schwarzenegger for suggesting that those refusing the vaccine were disregarding their freedom, as implied by some media outlets? Jimmy Kimmel and Howard Stern have expressed opinions that unvaccinated individuals should not expect medical treatment in hospitals.

Did that cruel, illogical thinking “ding” their career prospects? Hardly.

Another aspect of the Levi interview reveals that certain Hollywood executives refuse collaboration with individuals whose perspectives on the pandemic don’t completely match their own. However, it’s important to note that not everyone shares this opinion.

…some executives, regardless of their personal political views, are open to collaborating with individuals they previously deemed careless about COVID precautions.

It takes great courage of them indeed. It seems as though there might be an unofficial list of celebrities who dare to think independently from the influential figures, which could potentially lead to some form of retaliation or consequences.

George Clooney is presently performing on Broadway regarding an early blacklist, but he and his team have remained silent about the more recent iteration of it.

In a straightforward manner, it can be said that Levi comes across as compassionate, considerate, and merciful in the interview. His colleagues hold similar sentiments about him. Interestingly, Levi has also shown affection towards Rachel Zegler, who faced backlash for her harsh remarks against Trump supporters and for criticizing the Disney IP she revitalized through the controversial “Snow White” project.

As a movie critic, here’s my take: “Should I condemn her for being associated with voices that label him as a modern-day Hitler and those who vote for him as Nazis? She is undeniably gifted, and I truly believe that her intentions are rooted in genuine desire for global well-being.

We need fewer stars like Levi in Hollywood, according to Variety.

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2025-05-24 21:03