Zachary Levi on His Move from California to Texas and New Film ‘The Fix’

Zachary Levi has openly discussed his reasons for leaving his home state of California and moving to Texas. The 45-year-old actor, known for his role in the upcoming film ‘The Fix,’ sold his Los Angeles home in 2017 and acquired a ranch near Austin. In an interview with Fox News Digital, alongside co-star Liam Neeson, Levi expressed his views on California.

“I grew up in California, I love California, but it is a failed state,” he stated, referring to both literal and metaphorical fires impacting the region. Levi mentioned his dissatisfaction with the entertainment industry’s current model, which he believes requires major changes from within.

He envisions a new approach: Ever since I started working in Hollywood and I saw how broken it all was, I felt compelled to build a better Hollywood — a kind of studio owned and operated by artists, cutting out middlemen, building a community, Levi explained. His vision involves a place to work, live, and educate children, with facilities such as an organic farm.

This ambition led Levi to acquire a 75-acre property outside Austin, Texas, where he plans to develop Wyldwood Studios, a $100 million film and lifestyle campus. This dynamic space will include soundstages, production offices, residential housing, and wellness facilities. The project is expected to open its initial soundstages by 2027.

Reflecting on his decision to leave California, Levi acknowledged leaving behind a community and favorable weather, but he prioritized his vision. “When you weigh it all out, you have to ask if it’s worth the trade-off for what needs to be built,” he noted. Levi finds Austin appealing despite its weather extremes and values the opportunity for growth.

His new film, ‘The Fix,’ directed by Guy Moshe, presents Levi in a role different from his previous light-hearted projects. The movie, co-starring Liam Neeson, follows former CIA operatives on a mission connected to the recent U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan. Levi took this role seeking a grittier and darker character. He embraces the story’s themes of redemption and moral complexity.

Moshe praised Levi’s suitability for the role, noting his outdoor lifestyle in Austin. He valued Levi’s physicality and readiness to embrace the action-star role. Levi’s transformation and dedication exceeded Moshe’s expectations.

The film also features actors Annet Mahendru, Grant Harvey, Augusto Aguilera, Elnaaz Norouzi, and Wes Chatham. Norouzi, who plays Zara, highlighted Levi’s supportive presence as an on-screen partner. Their characters’ emotional relationship unfolds amid dangerous circumstances in the story.

‘The Fix’ premieres in theaters on September 11. The movie offers Levi the opportunity to explore new thematic elements and showcases his versatility as an actor.