From Chuck To Shazam And Beyond: The 5 Must-Watch Zachary Levi Movies And TV Shows (Plus His New 2024-2025 Projects)

Zachary Levi, the actor known for his infectious charm and ability to seamlessly transition from nerdy spy to powerful superhero, continues to dominate both the big and small screens with a diverse slate of projects. As of December 2025, his career is experiencing a fascinating evolution, moving from major studio blockbusters to deeply personal, true-story dramas and beloved animated adaptations. This article breaks down his most iconic roles and provides an up-to-the-minute look at his latest and most anticipated films.

His recent work, particularly the 2024 release of a family fantasy film and a powerful 2025 drama, showcases his range far beyond the DC Universe. Fans are eager to see him tackle complex characters, proving that the man who brought life to Chuck Bartowski and Billy Batson has many more stories left to tell. The following is a detailed look at the man behind the roles and the essential filmography that defines his career.

Zachary Levi Pugh: Full Biography and Career Milestones

Zachary Levi Pugh was born on September 29, 1980, in Lake Charles, Louisiana. He is an American actor, comedian, director, and singer, widely recognized for his versatility across television, film, and Broadway. His breakthrough came with a role that defined a generation of geek culture, but his career trajectory has been marked by a consistent pursuit of challenging and varied roles.

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• Full Name: Zachary Levi Pugh
• Born: September 29, 1980 (Age 45 as of December 2025)
• Birthplace: Lake Charles, Louisiana, U.S.
• Notable Roles: Chuck Bartowski (*Chuck*), Billy Batson / Shazam (*Shazam!*), Flynn Rider (*Tangled*), Dr. Benjamin Ettenberg (*The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel*).
• Career Start: Began acting in local theatre at age six, moving to Los Angeles at 18 to pursue his career.
• Television Breakthrough: Starred as Kipp Steadman in the sitcom *Less Than Perfect* (2002–2006).
• Iconic TV Role: Led the action-comedy series *Chuck* (2007–2012) as the titular, ordinary computer geek who accidentally downloads a secret government database into his brain.
• Broadway Success: Received a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actor in a Play for his role in *She Loves Me* (2016).
• Recent Major Release: Reprised his role as the titular hero in *Shazam! Fury of the Gods* (2023).

The Most Anticipated New Zachary Levi Movies (2024 & 2025)

Zachary Levi's immediate future is packed with films that demonstrate his commitment to diverse storytelling, from live-action adaptations of classic children's books to powerful, faith-based dramas. These upcoming projects are set to further cement his status as a leading man with significant range.

Harold and the Purple Crayon (2024)

This film brings the beloved 1955 children's book by Crockett Johnson to life in a live-action/animated hybrid. Levi stars as the adult Harold, the boy who could create entire worlds simply by drawing them with his magical purple crayon. The film explores what happens when Harold, now grown up, draws himself out of his book and into the real world. The premise is a charming, imaginative family adventure, allowing Levi to blend his comedic timing with a sense of childlike wonder.

The Unbreakable Boy (2025)

Scheduled for a 2025 release, *The Unbreakable Boy* is a powerful, true-life drama based on the book by Scott LeRette. Levi plays Scott, a father whose son, Austin, is diagnosed with both autism and osteogenesis imperfecta (brittle bone disease). The film is a story of resilience, faith, and unconditional love, highlighting Austin's joyful and unique perspective on the world despite his challenges. This role is a significant dramatic turn for Levi, offering a chance to deliver a deeply emotional and grounded performance.

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Not Without Hope (2025)

Another true-story survival drama, *Not Without Hope*, is based on the memoir of Nick Schuyler, a former NFL player. The story follows a fishing trip gone wrong in the Gulf of Mexico, where four friends are left fighting for their lives after their boat capsizes. Levi’s involvement in this project confirms his interest in material that explores the limits of human endurance and the power of hope in the face of tragedy.

The Essential Zachary Levi Filmography: 5 Iconic Roles That Defined His Career

While his upcoming work is exciting, Levi's career is built on a foundation of memorable roles across various genres. These five roles are essential viewing to understand his full range as an actor.

1. Chuck Bartowski in Chuck (2007–2012)

This is the role that made Zachary Levi a household name. As Chuck Bartowski, a hapless but brilliant computer expert who accidentally downloads the 'Intersect'—a database of all U.S. government secrets—into his brain, Levi perfectly captured the blend of comedy, action, and heart. The show’s success was largely due to his ability to play a believable nerd thrust into a life of espionage, making him one of the most beloved characters of the late 2000s television landscape. The persistent fan desire for a *Chuck* movie remains a testament to the show's lasting impact.

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2. Billy Batson / Shazam in the DC Extended Universe (2019, 2023)

Levi took on the monumental task of playing the adult superhero alter-ego of the teenage Billy Batson in *Shazam!* (2019) and *Shazam! Fury of the Gods* (2023). His casting was praised for his ability to embody a 14-year-old boy's enthusiasm and immaturity inside a god-like body, proving his mastery of physical comedy and genuine warmth. His portrayal is a bright, optimistic spot in the superhero genre, emphasizing family and fun.

3. Flynn Rider / Eugene Fitzherbert in Tangled (2010)

In one of the most successful Disney animated films of the modern era, Levi voiced the roguish, charming thief Flynn Rider (later revealed to be Eugene Fitzherbert). His chemistry with Mandy Moore (Rapunzel) and his strong, versatile singing voice made him an instant Disney icon. He has since reprised the role in subsequent short films and the animated series *Rapunzel's Tangled Adventure*, solidifying his place in the Disney legacy.

4. Dr. Benjamin Ettenberg in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Season 2)

Showing his ability to shine in prestige television, Levi joined the acclaimed Amazon series *The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel* in Season 2 as Dr. Benjamin Ettenberg, a quirky, aloof, and handsome doctor who becomes a love interest for Midge Maisel. His performance offered a delightful contrast to the show's fast-paced comedy, showcasing his dramatic chops and ability to create a compelling, complex character in a supporting role.

5. Fandral in the Thor Film Series (2013, 2017)

While a smaller role, Levi's appearances as Fandral, one of the Warriors Three and a companion of Thor, connected him to the massive Marvel Cinematic Universe. He took over the role from Josh Dallas in *Thor: The Dark World* (2013) and reprised it in *Thor: Ragnarok* (2017). This role added a layer of blockbuster fantasy to his resume, establishing him as an actor capable of navigating the world of major comic book franchises on both the Marvel and DC sides.

Topical Authority Entities & Keywords

Zachary Levi's filmography is a rich tapestry of genres, from action-comedy and superhero epics to animated musicals and true-life dramas. His career entities include: *Chuck Bartowski*, *Nerd Herd*, *Intersect*, *Shazam Family*, *Billy Batson*, *Eugene Fitzherbert*, *Rapunzel*, *Dr. Benjamin Ettenberg*, *The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel*, *Warriors Three*, *Fandral*, *Scott LeRette*, *Austin LeRette*, *Wyldwood Studios*, *Broadway*, *Tony Nomination*, and *Less Than Perfect*.

The consistent quality and variety of his work, particularly his recent shift towards compelling, character-driven films like *The Unbreakable Boy*, demonstrate an actor who is continually challenging himself and expanding his artistic horizons. Fans are eagerly watching to see what new worlds he will draw himself into next.