When it comes to sharing his opinions on Hollywood, Samuel L. Jackson has earned the right to speak his mind. The iconic actor has never shied away from discussing his thoughts and feelings about the industry that catapulted him to stardom.
In a recent interview with Vulture, while reflecting on various aspects of his career, Jackson didn’t hold back when it came to addressing the lack of diversity in Quentin Tarantino’s epic, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. The movie had previously faced criticism for its portrayal of Bruce Lee.
Having appeared in several of Tarantino’s films, from Pulp Fiction to The Hateful Eight, Jackson candidly pointed out that he was not part of the cast of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, and he also noticed the scarcity of Black actors in the movie. While it can be argued that the film’s historical setting and portrayal of Hollywood during that time period contribute to this lack of diversity, Jackson still felt compelled to voice his opinion. He likened it to his experience in Goodfellas, where he and maybe one other Black actor were part of the cast.
As Tarantino gears up for what he has announced will be his final film as a director, titled The Movie Critic, speculation arises about whether Jackson will be part of the cast. Although many fans would love to see them collaborate again, it appears that Jackson’s comments, coupled with Tarantino’s distaste for the Marvel world (in which Jackson is involved), may indicate that they now have different views on the movie landscape.
Despite some people expressing skepticism about actors like Harrison Ford reprising their iconic roles in their 80s, Jackson continues to prove that age is just a number. At 74 years old, he still manages to kick ass and deliver remarkable performances. Alongside action legends like Stallone and Schwarzenegger, Jackson remains a force to be reckoned with in the film industry, participating in projects that even many younger actors might struggle to keep up with.
For a new generation, Jackson will forever be remembered as Nick Fury, a role that has defined his later career and introduced him to audiences who might have missed his earlier acclaimed movies. Having recently starred in the Disney+ series Secret Invasion, which received critical acclaim, Jackson’s involvement in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) doesn’t seem to be slowing down. While Fury’s character may have been “off-world” for a time, it is expected that he will continue to play a vital role in the MCU until at least the release of Secret Wars in the coming years. As he continues to make his mark in the industry, Samuel L. Jackson shows no signs of slowing down any time soon.
