At 75, Samuel L. Jackson looks back at an incredible career stretched over 40 years, from independent flicks to large blockbuster franchises. In an interview with People at the premiere of his new project, Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist, he spoke of what helped him succeed in Hollywood.
He spoke about how he made it through a career full of decisions and breaks.
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“When you’re a young actor...you always feel like you’re very lucky when you get that job,” Jackson shared.
With increased fame, he started calling the shots and was more cognizant of the roles he chose.
“I’ve been kind of fortunate...I made some good choices,” he said to People.
For Jackson, it was not about finding just any movie but finding those that moved him. He just wanted to be in something where he could see himself. Jackson's career has been about readjustments, wisdom, and making choices.
But how does Samuel L. Jackson continue to set fire in such a competitive industry? For him, it is about mixing passion with a careful approach.
The power of Samuel L. Jackson's strategic choices
Jackson's career is only an example of picking roles that mean something, not for the money, but because of what he leaves behind. In the premiere of Fight Night, he spoke about how everyone makes mistakes and some good calls. But according to what he told People, he has made more of the good ones.
One big reason for his success has been his work in some of the most popular and influential franchises ever. Samuel L. Jackson says he'll be the first to admit he got fortunate landing the role of Nick Fury in the MCU with its nine-movie deal.
“It’s not often that somebody says I want to give you a nine-picture deal,” he told People.
Those long-running gigs and recurring roles have made him a household name and kept him more visible than most actors could ever hope for.
Samuel L. Jackson admitted that even though he loves all kinds of movies, he still picks and chooses the projects he takes on.
“I’m kind of specific about what I want to see myself in,” Jackson admitted.
Revisiting history with Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist
With the new project Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist, Jackson explores a story with some history and personal connections. It takes place in the '70s during Muhammad Ali's famous comeback and revolves around an actual robbery in Atlanta.
As crime boss Frank Moten, Samuel L. Jackson works with a cast including Kevin Hart, Taraji P. Henson, and Don Cheadle. The heist in Fight Night hit close to home for Jackson, who was in Atlanta when it occurred, per The Hollywood Reporter.
He said, recalling the chaotic aftermath of the heist:
“I know it's a real thing.”
But over time, the real story became encumbered with myths and legends, wild tales of millions stolen, and exaggerated details about the crime. In this eight-part series, Jackson brings his singular energy to the part.
While Samuel L. Jackson continues to impress us, you can catch Fight Night streaming on Peacock, with new episodes dropping weekly.
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