Zachary Levi's $100M Bet on Texas: Wyldwood Studios to Reshape Film Industry

29 May 2025

In a major move that could transform the entertainment industry in Texas, actor and producer Zachary Levi, best known for his roles in Chuck, Shazam!, and Tangled, has announced a bold new venture: a $100 million film and production studio called Wyldwood Studios, located in Bastrop, Texas. The project, sprawling across 75 acres along the Colorado River, promises to bring not just film-making facilities, but also a vibrant community for creatives complete with housing, amphitheaters, and nature-integrated workspaces.

Levi, who has long been outspoken about the direction of Hollywood and the need for authentic, grounded storytelling, envisions Wyldwood Studios as a fresh start both for the industry and for himself. In a statement, he shared,

“This isn’t just a studio. It’s a lifestyle, a creative community, and a space to make certified organic human-made content.”

Texas has increasingly become a haven for filmmakers, musicians, and artists looking to escape the pressures and politics of Los Angeles. Bastrop, located just east of Austin, is already being eyed as the next big creative hub. With state leaders approving a 10-year, $2.5 billion incentive package for in-state media production, the financial advantages are undeniable.

This push for local production is further strengthened by national policies like President Trump’s proposed 100% tariff on media productions filmed overseas, which could significantly discourage outsourcing. Levi’s timing couldn’t be more strategic, tapping into both a cultural shift and favorable economic conditions.

Wyldwood won’t just be another production lot. The site is designed to be a holistic environment that merges nature with technology, creativity with comfort. Levi plans for open-air theaters, sound stages, offices, and modern residential facilities making it possible for entire families of cast and crew to live and work together on-site.

He’s also advocating for humane working hours, proposing eight-to-ten-hour days rather than the grueling 14-16 hour schedules that plague the traditional film industry. This stems from his own experiences and his recent life changes, including becoming a father.

“I want a place where people can create incredible work and still have dinner with their kids,” he said.

The name “Wyldwood” draws from both a sense of untamed artistic freedom and the lush, wooded setting of the location. Levi wants to recapture the pioneering spirit of early Hollywood when artists like Charlie Chaplin and Mary Pickford took ownership of their work and their environment.

Levi’s political stance has made headlines recently. While he’s known for a mix of libertarian and progressive views supporting candidates like Gary Johnson (2016) and Marianne Williamson (2020) his endorsement of Donald Trump in 2024 surprised many fans. However, Levi clarifies that his politics are rooted in wanting a freer, less censored creative space, and Wyldwood is a physical embodiment of that ethos.

He also expressed frustrations with what he called "soulless content" dominating mainstream streaming services and film studios. His mission with Wyldwood is to build a countercultural force that celebrates depth, truth, and storytelling without agenda.

The ripple effects of Wyldwood Studios could be massive. For Bastrop, it means jobs, tourism, infrastructure investment, and a renewed cultural spotlight. For filmmakers, it presents a real alternative to the bureaucracy and burnout of traditional Hollywood.

Already, whispers are circulating about potential high-profile productions planning to film there in 2026, including a rumored collaboration with Angel Studios and faith-based projects that align with Levi’s values.

In many ways, Wyldwood Studios is Zachary Levi’s answer to the question: What comes after fame? It’s a legacy project, a gamble on community, and an open invitation to like-minded creators who want to tell meaningful stories away from the noise.

As construction begins and more details emerge, one thing is clear: the future of film might not be in California at all. It might just be deep in the heart of Texas, where the stories are big and now, so is the studio.