curse curse chomp curse curse
March 5, 2009 9:07 AM Subscribe
Samuel L. Jackson inked a mammoth nine-movie deal with Marvel. The actor will play a supporting role in most of the movies as character Nick Fury.
Much as I love him, the man really does take a shotgun approach to what parts he'll play.
posted by pyrex at 12:11 PM on March 5 [+] [!]
Nick Fury in the Ultimate universe pretty much IS Samuel L Jackson on paper, so this is not much of a surprise. I'm glad to see he'll play the part.
posted by Ziggy Zaga at 9:14 AM on March 5, 2009 [1 favorite]
posted by pyrex at 12:11 PM on March 5 [+] [!]
Nick Fury in the Ultimate universe pretty much IS Samuel L Jackson on paper, so this is not much of a surprise. I'm glad to see he'll play the part.
posted by Ziggy Zaga at 9:14 AM on March 5, 2009 [1 favorite]
Oh. Hells. yes.
posted by EatTheWeek at 9:16 AM on March 5, 2009
posted by EatTheWeek at 9:16 AM on March 5, 2009
Has Jackson ever turned down a role? He's like Christopher Walken (who I was shocked to discover actually did once turn down a role: the bad guy in Judge Dredd).
posted by brundlefly at 9:17 AM on March 5, 2009
posted by brundlefly at 9:17 AM on March 5, 2009
Mans gotta eat.
posted by Divine_Wino at 9:23 AM on March 5, 2009
posted by Divine_Wino at 9:23 AM on March 5, 2009
I have a theory that, once per month, Revolution Studios receives this call:
Samuel L Jackson: Yes, this is Sam Jackson. I'm calling because there has been some kind of a mistake. I just got a residual check for something called XXX, and I was never in that movie.
Secretary: Yes you were, Mr. Jackson.
Samuel L Jackson: Listen, I'm not one to turn down free money when it's given to me, but I figure the least I can do is give you a chance to correct a mistake when you make one. I was never in that movie.
Secretary: We went through this last month.
Samuel L Jackson: We may go through it again next month. Sam Jackson doesn't do pornos!
Secretary: It's not a porno film, Mr. Jackson. It's an adventure film that starred Vin Diesel.
Samuel L Jackson: Never met the man.
Secretary: You were in xXx with him. You played a character named Augusta Gibbons.
Samuel L Jackson: Nope.
Secretary: Look it up on IMDB, sir. I can wait.
Samuel L Jackson: I will. I will do just that.
(Beat)
Samuel L Jackson: Okay, the Internet is saying I was in that movie. But I feel sure I would remember it.
Secretary: You were in it, Mr. Jackson.
Samuel L Jackson: It says I was in all sorts of movies I never made. What the hell is Soul Men? S.W.A.T? That's a teevee show!
Secretary: You were in all of them, sir.
Samuel L Jackson: I'll take your money. But don't lie to me. I mean, The Caveman's Valentine? That's not even a real movie.
posted by Astro Zombie at 9:25 AM on March 5, 2009 [165 favorites]
Samuel L Jackson: Yes, this is Sam Jackson. I'm calling because there has been some kind of a mistake. I just got a residual check for something called XXX, and I was never in that movie.
Secretary: Yes you were, Mr. Jackson.
Samuel L Jackson: Listen, I'm not one to turn down free money when it's given to me, but I figure the least I can do is give you a chance to correct a mistake when you make one. I was never in that movie.
Secretary: We went through this last month.
Samuel L Jackson: We may go through it again next month. Sam Jackson doesn't do pornos!
Secretary: It's not a porno film, Mr. Jackson. It's an adventure film that starred Vin Diesel.
Samuel L Jackson: Never met the man.
Secretary: You were in xXx with him. You played a character named Augusta Gibbons.
Samuel L Jackson: Nope.
Secretary: Look it up on IMDB, sir. I can wait.
Samuel L Jackson: I will. I will do just that.
(Beat)
Samuel L Jackson: Okay, the Internet is saying I was in that movie. But I feel sure I would remember it.
Secretary: You were in it, Mr. Jackson.
Samuel L Jackson: It says I was in all sorts of movies I never made. What the hell is Soul Men? S.W.A.T? That's a teevee show!
Secretary: You were in all of them, sir.
Samuel L Jackson: I'll take your money. But don't lie to me. I mean, The Caveman's Valentine? That's not even a real movie.
posted by Astro Zombie at 9:25 AM on March 5, 2009 [165 favorites]
Samual Jackson and Christopher Walken evidently have the standard English actor's attitude toward movies: good bad, it's a paycheck. It's actually not a bad attitude to have, because who can tell whether a movie is going to be a great success or a failure from the script?
posted by happyroach at 9:26 AM on March 5, 2009
posted by happyroach at 9:26 AM on March 5, 2009
I was going to make a joke containing the word 'motherfucker', but the tags contain a Snakes on a Plane joke already.
posted by kldickson at 9:27 AM on March 5, 2009
posted by kldickson at 9:27 AM on March 5, 2009
I generally prefer the cigar chewing, grey hair on the temples version found in the mainstream universe but the blatant copy of the Samuel Jackson introduced in the Ultimates version of Fury is entertaining as well. It's not like it's going to be a stretch for him to play the exact same character he always plays in every movie.
posted by vuron at 9:31 AM on March 5, 2009 [1 favorite]
posted by vuron at 9:31 AM on March 5, 2009 [1 favorite]
Oh yeah, Crazy Joe rescinded his junk-punch last week. /nolife
posted by ChurchHatesTucker at 9:31 AM on March 5, 2009
posted by ChurchHatesTucker at 9:31 AM on March 5, 2009
I get the feeling Samuel L. Jackson would have done this for free.
posted by cjorgensen at 9:36 AM on March 5, 2009 [1 favorite]
posted by cjorgensen at 9:36 AM on March 5, 2009 [1 favorite]
Has Jackson ever turned down a role? He's like Christopher Walken (who I was shocked to discover actually did once turn down a role: the bad guy in Judge Dredd).
For which Armand Assante is, no doubt, eternally grateful.
Nick Fury in the Ultimate universe pretty much IS Samuel L Jackson on paper, so this is not much of a surprise. I'm glad to see he'll play the part.
At one point in the first Ultimates storyline, there's actually a part where several of the heroes would want to have play them in a movie about them, and Fury insists it would have to be Samuel L. no shit.
Frankly, I just hope everyone involved here realizes they're talking about NINE. MOVIES. If it turns out people don't like Samuel L as Fury, or Samuel L realizes he doesn't like the movies, they're pretty much all fucked. It's a rough deal to make if everything isn't peachy keen down the line. Sure, for many of them films he will likely be a cameo a la Iron Man or The Hulk, but for real, a contract of that length could be disastrous all around.
posted by shmegegge at 9:37 AM on March 5, 2009 [1 favorite]
For which Armand Assante is, no doubt, eternally grateful.
Nick Fury in the Ultimate universe pretty much IS Samuel L Jackson on paper, so this is not much of a surprise. I'm glad to see he'll play the part.
At one point in the first Ultimates storyline, there's actually a part where several of the heroes would want to have play them in a movie about them, and Fury insists it would have to be Samuel L. no shit.
Frankly, I just hope everyone involved here realizes they're talking about NINE. MOVIES. If it turns out people don't like Samuel L as Fury, or Samuel L realizes he doesn't like the movies, they're pretty much all fucked. It's a rough deal to make if everything isn't peachy keen down the line. Sure, for many of them films he will likely be a cameo a la Iron Man or The Hulk, but for real, a contract of that length could be disastrous all around.
posted by shmegegge at 9:37 AM on March 5, 2009 [1 favorite]
AZ, that was hilariously pitch-perfect.
posted by brain_drain at 9:37 AM on March 5, 2009
posted by brain_drain at 9:37 AM on March 5, 2009
where several of the heroes discuss who they would want to have play them in a movie...
posted by shmegegge at 9:38 AM on March 5, 2009
posted by shmegegge at 9:38 AM on March 5, 2009
Samuel Jackson playing an angry black man? Now I've seen everything! (after I see this)
posted by DU at 9:38 AM on March 5, 2009
posted by DU at 9:38 AM on March 5, 2009
Nick Fury in the Ultimate universe pretty much IS Samuel L Jackson on paper, so this is not much of a surprise. I'm glad to see he'll play the part.
At one point in the first Ultimates storyline, there's actually a part where several of the heroes would want to have play them in a movie about them, and Fury insists it would have to be Samuel L. no shit.
From the link: this Nick Fury is a bald African-American general, specifically tailored after actor Samuel L. Jackson with his permission.
posted by DU at 9:40 AM on March 5, 2009
At one point in the first Ultimates storyline, there's actually a part where several of the heroes would want to have play them in a movie about them, and Fury insists it would have to be Samuel L. no shit.
From the link: this Nick Fury is a bald African-American general, specifically tailored after actor Samuel L. Jackson with his permission.
posted by DU at 9:40 AM on March 5, 2009
Much as I love him, the man really does take a shotgun approach to what parts he'll play.
The American Michael Caine.
posted by Ironmouth at 9:43 AM on March 5, 2009 [2 favorites]
The American Michael Caine.
posted by Ironmouth at 9:43 AM on March 5, 2009 [2 favorites]
We'll have to keep an eye on this development.
posted by Joe Beese at 9:43 AM on March 5, 2009 [1 favorite]
posted by Joe Beese at 9:43 AM on March 5, 2009 [1 favorite]
Mickey Rourke might play a villain? I wonder which one.
Word is he'd been approached to play the Crimson Dynamo (In Soviet Russia, Man Irons You!).
posted by mkultra at 9:44 AM on March 5, 2009 [3 favorites]
Word is he'd been approached to play the Crimson Dynamo (In Soviet Russia, Man Irons You!).
posted by mkultra at 9:44 AM on March 5, 2009 [3 favorites]
Also, what the articles don't say is that this is a HUGE step toward Marvel's strategy of rolling out a few more single-hero movies (Thor, Captain America), then do The Avengers with them, Iron Man, and Hulk. Not sure how they'd fit Giant Man in, but this is a pretty awesome development.
posted by mkultra at 9:48 AM on March 5, 2009
posted by mkultra at 9:48 AM on March 5, 2009
Much as I love him, the man really does take a shotgun approach to what parts he'll play.
He learned the hard way: "We should have shotguns for this kind of deal."
(Actually , I really like that several of my favorite actors, like Jackson and Bruce Campbell, have basically indicated that they are mercenary when it comes to taking rolls: "Got money? I'm in!", I know that great actors try to find rolls that challenge them, but I think there is something to be said about a really good actor who with willing to slum it once in a while. It makes for a much more entertaining body of work.)
posted by quin at 9:51 AM on March 5, 2009 [1 favorite]
He learned the hard way: "We should have shotguns for this kind of deal."
(Actually , I really like that several of my favorite actors, like Jackson and Bruce Campbell, have basically indicated that they are mercenary when it comes to taking rolls: "Got money? I'm in!", I know that great actors try to find rolls that challenge them, but I think there is something to be said about a really good actor who with willing to slum it once in a while. It makes for a much more entertaining body of work.)
posted by quin at 9:51 AM on March 5, 2009 [1 favorite]
FURY
I want you to go to that radio, and call my helicarrier.
PUMPKIN
Which one is it?
FURY
It's the one that says "Bad Motherfucker."
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 9:53 AM on March 5, 2009 [2 favorites]
I want you to go to that radio, and call my helicarrier.
PUMPKIN
Which one is it?
FURY
It's the one that says "Bad Motherfucker."
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 9:53 AM on March 5, 2009 [2 favorites]
Much as I love him, the man really does take a shotgun approach to what parts he'll play.
I read an interview with him once a long time ago where he essentially said that a). he really likes to make movies and b). he's totally aware of how hard it is for a black actor to get work and that at any moment he could lose his place in Hollywood, so he's going to work while he can.
posted by Bookhouse at 9:56 AM on March 5, 2009 [6 favorites]
I read an interview with him once a long time ago where he essentially said that a). he really likes to make movies and b). he's totally aware of how hard it is for a black actor to get work and that at any moment he could lose his place in Hollywood, so he's going to work while he can.
posted by Bookhouse at 9:56 AM on March 5, 2009 [6 favorites]
"I can assure you, I was not in The Matrix."
A friend of mine and I have a running joke based in part on Fishburne vs Jackson but also mainly on a story about Morgan Freeman being mistaken for one of them (and the person making the mistake getting some cutting reply from Freeman). Basically the joke is just that all black actors are Morgan Freeman. "Freeman did a good job bringing 'street values' to Fresh Prince of Bel Air" or "I really loved Freeman in The Jazz Singer" (doubly ironic there).
posted by DU at 9:58 AM on March 5, 2009 [2 favorites]
A friend of mine and I have a running joke based in part on Fishburne vs Jackson but also mainly on a story about Morgan Freeman being mistaken for one of them (and the person making the mistake getting some cutting reply from Freeman). Basically the joke is just that all black actors are Morgan Freeman. "Freeman did a good job bringing 'street values' to Fresh Prince of Bel Air" or "I really loved Freeman in The Jazz Singer" (doubly ironic there).
posted by DU at 9:58 AM on March 5, 2009 [2 favorites]
Some reports say that Rourke was approached to play Whiplash.
posted by Rangeboy at 10:10 AM on March 5, 2009
posted by Rangeboy at 10:10 AM on March 5, 2009
At this point in time, Samuel L.'s participation in something usually decreases my level of interest in it. I mean, we've all seen him do his thing, back when he wasn't phoning it in, and from here on in you're getting nothing but self-parody (see: The Spirit*).
* no, seriously, see it...his performance might be the best bad acting since Travolta in Battlefield Earth.
posted by The Card Cheat at 10:11 AM on March 5, 2009
* no, seriously, see it...his performance might be the best bad acting since Travolta in Battlefield Earth.
posted by The Card Cheat at 10:11 AM on March 5, 2009
A friend of mine and I have a running joke based in part on Fishburne vs Jackson but also mainly on a story about Morgan Freeman being mistaken for one of them
SO and I have a similar running joke, about what it would be like if all of a sudden, every movie/commercial/whathaveyou narrated by Freeman was narrated by Jackson.
There's a motherfuckin' con like me in every prison in America, I guess. I'm the guy who
can get it for you. Cigarettes, a bag of reefer if you're partial, Royale with Cheese to celebrate your trip to Amsterdam. Damn near anything, within reason. Fuck.
posted by SpiffyRob at 10:13 AM on March 5, 2009
SO and I have a similar running joke, about what it would be like if all of a sudden, every movie/commercial/whathaveyou narrated by Freeman was narrated by Jackson.
There's a motherfuckin' con like me in every prison in America, I guess. I'm the guy who
can get it for you. Cigarettes, a bag of reefer if you're partial, Royale with Cheese to celebrate your trip to Amsterdam. Damn near anything, within reason. Fuck.
posted by SpiffyRob at 10:13 AM on March 5, 2009
Hey it's the same as Deniro or Pacino.. they all did their best work.. got the respect they deserved, and now they're just working actors. To me, there's absolutely nothing wrong with it. Good for Sam and good for his family.
posted by ChickenringNYC at 10:20 AM on March 5, 2009
posted by ChickenringNYC at 10:20 AM on March 5, 2009
The other day, I realized for the first time that Samuel L. Jackson was in Coming to America. He played the motherfucker who tried to rob the burger joint.
posted by Mister_A at 10:23 AM on March 5, 2009
posted by Mister_A at 10:23 AM on March 5, 2009
Once I remembered that Samuel L Jackson was in Goodfellas whenever I hear his name mentioned, I don't think Bad Motherfucker or Motherfuckin' Snakes on a Motherfuckin' Plane, I think about him getting wacked for getting high. I actually feel a little bad for this, but there it is.
posted by ob at 10:35 AM on March 5, 2009
posted by ob at 10:35 AM on March 5, 2009
Yeah, but...there's "working actor" and then there's Rocky And Bullwinkle and The Spirit and Gigli and...
But, yeah, point taken. I read an interview once with an established star (can't remember who it was) who was asked why so many actors keep on taking terrible roles in terrible movies well after they've made it. He said that most of them, himself included, never completely get over the anxiety of life as a struggling actor or the fear that - no matter how rich and famous you are - one day you'll be back eating beans out of a can and waiting by the phone for a callback on a cat food commercial.
And then there's Michael Caine's take on it.
posted by The Card Cheat at 10:38 AM on March 5, 2009 [1 favorite]
But, yeah, point taken. I read an interview once with an established star (can't remember who it was) who was asked why so many actors keep on taking terrible roles in terrible movies well after they've made it. He said that most of them, himself included, never completely get over the anxiety of life as a struggling actor or the fear that - no matter how rich and famous you are - one day you'll be back eating beans out of a can and waiting by the phone for a callback on a cat food commercial.
And then there's Michael Caine's take on it.
posted by The Card Cheat at 10:38 AM on March 5, 2009 [1 favorite]
I saw an interview with him when Snakes On A (motherfuckin) Plane was coming out and they asked why he would do a movie like that.
He basically said when he was young he would stress himself out trying to get serious roles that would win him respect and awards and such ... but after a decade of making movies he decided it wasn't worth it and that it might be more rewarding to try to pick movies that would be really fun to make, or would allow him to travel ... and he had so much fun from then on that not only did he stick with it, he thought he might as well push it as far as he could, do the weirdest, worst movies.
And, hence Snakes ... but I give him respect for it. As a musician, I've taken a similar path when I got sick of trying to be the next Danny Carey. I'd much rather just play simple music, get really drunk while playing live, and have a great time.
posted by mannequito at 10:39 AM on March 5, 2009 [3 favorites]
He basically said when he was young he would stress himself out trying to get serious roles that would win him respect and awards and such ... but after a decade of making movies he decided it wasn't worth it and that it might be more rewarding to try to pick movies that would be really fun to make, or would allow him to travel ... and he had so much fun from then on that not only did he stick with it, he thought he might as well push it as far as he could, do the weirdest, worst movies.
And, hence Snakes ... but I give him respect for it. As a musician, I've taken a similar path when I got sick of trying to be the next Danny Carey. I'd much rather just play simple music, get really drunk while playing live, and have a great time.
posted by mannequito at 10:39 AM on March 5, 2009 [3 favorites]
AZ, that's beautiful. I was at ComicCon a few years back when Snakes on a Plane came out. They were doing a Q&A session and Mr. Jackson was a part of it. The best part of the whole session was when a young man got up to ask Samuel L. a question about a script he'd written.
Nerdy Kid: "Mr. Jackson, I've written a script and I think you'd be ideal for the lead. What do I need to do to set this sort of thing in motion."
Samuel L. Jackson: "You got any money, kid? Cause I got kids going to college. And they ain't going to state schools. I need to get paid."
NK: "Not really. I ..."
SLJ: "You got a sister?"
NK: "Umm..."
SLJ: "How 'bout your mamma? Can she cook?"
NK: "Err."
SLJ: "Look, I think I've proved that I'll make just about any motherfucking movie I'm offered. I'm in Snakes on a motherfucking Plane. I'm getting paid some way or another."
posted by teleri025 at 10:39 AM on March 5, 2009 [27 favorites]
Nerdy Kid: "Mr. Jackson, I've written a script and I think you'd be ideal for the lead. What do I need to do to set this sort of thing in motion."
Samuel L. Jackson: "You got any money, kid? Cause I got kids going to college. And they ain't going to state schools. I need to get paid."
NK: "Not really. I ..."
SLJ: "You got a sister?"
NK: "Umm..."
SLJ: "How 'bout your mamma? Can she cook?"
NK: "Err."
SLJ: "Look, I think I've proved that I'll make just about any motherfucking movie I'm offered. I'm in Snakes on a motherfucking Plane. I'm getting paid some way or another."
posted by teleri025 at 10:39 AM on March 5, 2009 [27 favorites]
His work in The Sound of Music was peerless.
posted by Kirth Gerson at 10:43 AM on March 5, 2009
posted by Kirth Gerson at 10:43 AM on March 5, 2009
(Actually , I really like that several of my favorite actors, like Jackson and Bruce Campbell, have basically indicated that they are mercenary when it comes to taking rolls: "Got money? I'm in!", I know that great actors try to find rolls that challenge them, but I think there is something to be said about a really good actor who with willing to slum it once in a while. It makes for a much more entertaining body of work.)
Oh hell yeah, Jackson's blindfold-and-click approach to picking parts is something I admire about him. My initial comment may have come off somewhat more bitter than I intended - I love seeing his career shoot off into all these random directions. These days I guess it could be argued that that is his career, his thing.
posted by pyrex at 10:46 AM on March 5, 2009 [1 favorite]
Oh hell yeah, Jackson's blindfold-and-click approach to picking parts is something I admire about him. My initial comment may have come off somewhat more bitter than I intended - I love seeing his career shoot off into all these random directions. These days I guess it could be argued that that is his career, his thing.
posted by pyrex at 10:46 AM on March 5, 2009 [1 favorite]
He said that most of them, himself included, never completely get over the anxiety of life as a struggling actor or the fear that - no matter how rich and famous you are - one day you'll be back eating beans out of a can and waiting by the phone for a callback on a cat food commercial.
Bernie Madoff demonstrates that those fears are not completely irrational.
posted by Kirth Gerson at 10:47 AM on March 5, 2009
Bernie Madoff demonstrates that those fears are not completely irrational.
posted by Kirth Gerson at 10:47 AM on March 5, 2009
They should have gotten him to act in Flight of the Living Dead.
posted by dunkadunc at 10:49 AM on March 5, 2009
posted by dunkadunc at 10:49 AM on March 5, 2009
Little known fact: Samuel L. Jackson has had at least a minor role in every single film made in the last 20 years. Once you know this, every movie you watch becomes a game of Where's Waldo Samuel.
posted by Who_Am_I at 10:50 AM on March 5, 2009
posted by Who_Am_I at 10:50 AM on March 5, 2009
A friend of mine from college used to tell a story about how one of his friends in high school once took Samuel L. Jackson's daughter on a date, and that when he picked her up Jackson was cleaning a gun on the dining room table.
That's it, really. Apparently other than the gun cleaning, he was a pretty nice man. But IIRC, there wasn't a second date.
posted by Caduceus at 10:56 AM on March 5, 2009 [1 favorite]
That's it, really. Apparently other than the gun cleaning, he was a pretty nice man. But IIRC, there wasn't a second date.
posted by Caduceus at 10:56 AM on March 5, 2009 [1 favorite]
At one point in the first Ultimates storyline, there's actually a part where several of the heroes would want to have play them in a movie about them, and Fury insists it would have to be Samuel L. no shit.
What DU said; I believe Ultimates Thor is physically modeled on Brad Pitt, and I'm sure there are others, but I can't be arsed to read that crap again. Millar's pulled that hypey shtick in Wanted, too - imagine Halle Berry and Eminem in Angelina Jolie and that weedy Scot's roles.
posted by Alvy Ampersand at 11:02 AM on March 5, 2009
What DU said; I believe Ultimates Thor is physically modeled on Brad Pitt, and I'm sure there are others, but I can't be arsed to read that crap again. Millar's pulled that hypey shtick in Wanted, too - imagine Halle Berry and Eminem in Angelina Jolie and that weedy Scot's roles.
posted by Alvy Ampersand at 11:02 AM on March 5, 2009
I would think that, for a lot of movie actors, how much you enjoy the people you're working with (particularly the director) would be much more important in your day-to-day happiness than the quality of the movie you're making. Unless you're hugely invested in the idea that movies are Art, I would think acting in a bad movie could be just as much fun (or not) as acting in a good one.
It's not like theatre, where if the production's a disaster you get immediate feedback from the audience and you are forced to witness the whole trainwreck as you perform it. In movies you're doing all these disconnected scenes, and unless the dialogue is utterly cringeworthy who can tell how good it's gonna turn out? And Jackson obviously demonstrates that it's possible to have a good time spouting cringeworthy dialogue with gusto.
posted by straight at 11:02 AM on March 5, 2009
It's not like theatre, where if the production's a disaster you get immediate feedback from the audience and you are forced to witness the whole trainwreck as you perform it. In movies you're doing all these disconnected scenes, and unless the dialogue is utterly cringeworthy who can tell how good it's gonna turn out? And Jackson obviously demonstrates that it's possible to have a good time spouting cringeworthy dialogue with gusto.
posted by straight at 11:02 AM on March 5, 2009
I am reminded about the story of the class of pottery students, half of whom were graded on quality and half of whom were graded on quality. The punchline is that the best pots came from the students who were trying to churn them out as fast as possible. You can't be a great actor unless you're actually, you know, acting.
posted by GuyZero at 11:03 AM on March 5, 2009 [2 favorites]
posted by GuyZero at 11:03 AM on March 5, 2009 [2 favorites]
I've suspected for a while now that by writing a big enough check, you could have Jackson and Walken wearing clown suits at your kid's birthday party.
posted by EarBucket at 11:05 AM on March 5, 2009
posted by EarBucket at 11:05 AM on March 5, 2009
Also, while Jackson will take anything, he's a huge comic book and sci-fi nerd. Remember how he got George Lucas to add purple lightsabers to the Star Wars universe just because he always wanted a purple lightsaber? He probably badgered his agent to make sure he got to be in as many Marvel superhero movies as possible.
posted by straight at 11:08 AM on March 5, 2009 [2 favorites]
posted by straight at 11:08 AM on March 5, 2009 [2 favorites]
Not sure how they'd fit Giant Man in, but this is a pretty awesome development.
It wouldn't be Giant Man, it'd be Ant-Man. As in the planned 2010 release. Not sure they'd want to go with the Ultimates-universe Giant Man to match the Sam Jackson Ultimates Nick Fury anyway... wife-beating superheroes probably aren't what they're interested in for the movies.
posted by GhostintheMachine at 11:29 AM on March 5, 2009
It wouldn't be Giant Man, it'd be Ant-Man. As in the planned 2010 release. Not sure they'd want to go with the Ultimates-universe Giant Man to match the Sam Jackson Ultimates Nick Fury anyway... wife-beating superheroes probably aren't what they're interested in for the movies.
posted by GhostintheMachine at 11:29 AM on March 5, 2009
This could only be better if Jeff Goldblum does a guest appearance as Spider-Man!
posted by blue_beetle at 11:43 AM on March 5, 2009
posted by blue_beetle at 11:43 AM on March 5, 2009
I'm going to interpret this as his movies have earned billions, and not him personally, but this is still a perplexing factoid:
"The 2009 edition of The Guinness World Records, which uses a different calculation to determine film grosses, stated that Jackson is the world's highest grossing actor, having earned $7.42 billion in 68 films."
posted by dgaicun at 11:49 AM on March 5, 2009 [1 favorite]
"The 2009 edition of The Guinness World Records, which uses a different calculation to determine film grosses, stated that Jackson is the world's highest grossing actor, having earned $7.42 billion in 68 films."
posted by dgaicun at 11:49 AM on March 5, 2009 [1 favorite]
Not sure they'd want to go with the Ultimates-universe Giant Man... wife-beating superheroes probably aren't what they're interested in
If there's one constant in the Marvel Multiverse, it's Hank Pym's penchant for spousal abuse.
posted by Alvy Ampersand at 11:49 AM on March 5, 2009
If there's one constant in the Marvel Multiverse, it's Hank Pym's penchant for spousal abuse.
posted by Alvy Ampersand at 11:49 AM on March 5, 2009
...his performance might be the best bad acting since Travolta in Battlefield Earth.
The amazing thing about Jackson is that he can be in any old crappy movie, and never get less popular. Travolta wishes he was that lucky.
posted by Kevin Street at 11:54 AM on March 5, 2009
The amazing thing about Jackson is that he can be in any old crappy movie, and never get less popular. Travolta wishes he was that lucky.
posted by Kevin Street at 11:54 AM on March 5, 2009
this is still a perplexing factoid ... The 2009 edition of The Guinness World Records ... stated that Jackson is the world's highest grossing actor, having earned $7.42 billion in 68 films.
Not perplexing at all when you look at his filmography. Lots of appearances, if not starring roles, in big-budget crowd-pleasers. Coming to America. Jurassic Park. Star Wars. Pulp Fiction. The Incredibles. Die Hard II. Iron Man.
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 11:58 AM on March 5, 2009
Not perplexing at all when you look at his filmography. Lots of appearances, if not starring roles, in big-budget crowd-pleasers. Coming to America. Jurassic Park. Star Wars. Pulp Fiction. The Incredibles. Die Hard II. Iron Man.
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 11:58 AM on March 5, 2009
WTF is Metafilter!? A news group!? WTF is that!? Well I'll be G*damned!?
posted by doctorschlock at 11:59 AM on March 5, 2009
posted by doctorschlock at 11:59 AM on March 5, 2009
Back when it seemed like there were potentially enough cable channels for every conceivable segment of the viewing population, someone made a joke about there being a Michael Caine Channel and a Gene Hackman Channel. I'd make the same joke about SLJ, but with this deal there may be enough for a Samuel L. Jackson Military Character Channel.
posted by Halloween Jack at 12:15 PM on March 5, 2009
posted by Halloween Jack at 12:15 PM on March 5, 2009
How I know I am a dork:
When I saw the end of Iron Man and Sam Jackson's cameo, I turned to my friend and said, "Wow. I wonder who will play Dum Dum Dugan?"
His response: "Who?"
posted by BitterOldPunk at 12:31 PM on March 5, 2009 [1 favorite]
When I saw the end of Iron Man and Sam Jackson's cameo, I turned to my friend and said, "Wow. I wonder who will play Dum Dum Dugan?"
His response: "Who?"
posted by BitterOldPunk at 12:31 PM on March 5, 2009 [1 favorite]
Hey it's the same as Deniro or Pacino
Oddly enough, (I heard, so grain of salt here) the movies that have made the most money for Deniro is the comedies.
Walken has stated he can only act as Walken, so he is fully aware that is what he is hired to play: Christopher Walken.
The other day, I realized for the first time that Samuel L. Jackson was in Coming to America. He played the motherfucker who tried to rob the burger joint.
That's when I first noticed him. About that time Spike Lee started giving him real roles to play.
posted by P.o.B. at 12:45 PM on March 5, 2009
Oddly enough, (I heard, so grain of salt here) the movies that have made the most money for Deniro is the comedies.
Walken has stated he can only act as Walken, so he is fully aware that is what he is hired to play: Christopher Walken.
The other day, I realized for the first time that Samuel L. Jackson was in Coming to America. He played the motherfucker who tried to rob the burger joint.
That's when I first noticed him. About that time Spike Lee started giving him real roles to play.
posted by P.o.B. at 12:45 PM on March 5, 2009
Possible secret invasion spoiler:
Isn't Dum Dum a skrull?
posted by Kevin Street at 12:46 PM on March 5, 2009
Isn't Dum Dum a skrull?
posted by Kevin Street at 12:46 PM on March 5, 2009
he's a huge comic book and sci-fi nerd.
He's also really into Hong Kong flicks. I recall him spouting names like Chow Yun-Fat on Letterman before he was really known in America (2000, when he did Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.)
posted by P.o.B. at 12:52 PM on March 5, 2009
He's also really into Hong Kong flicks. I recall him spouting names like Chow Yun-Fat on Letterman before he was really known in America (2000, when he did Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.)
posted by P.o.B. at 12:52 PM on March 5, 2009
...someone made a joke about there being a Michael Caine Channel and a Gene Hackman Channel...
You would be referring to Pigman's Caine-Hackman Theory.
I will now go sit in a corner.
posted by lilnemo at 1:19 PM on March 5, 2009 [1 favorite]
You would be referring to Pigman's Caine-Hackman Theory.
I will now go sit in a corner.
posted by lilnemo at 1:19 PM on March 5, 2009 [1 favorite]
someone made a joke about there being a Michael Caine Channel and a Gene Hackman Channel.
The movie P.C.U. features a character working on a thesis about Caine and Hackman...
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 1:20 PM on March 5, 2009
The movie P.C.U. features a character working on a thesis about Caine and Hackman...
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 1:20 PM on March 5, 2009
Dammit ... by one minute, too...
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 1:20 PM on March 5, 2009
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 1:20 PM on March 5, 2009
I saw an interview with Jackson on The Daily Show and Stewart was like "Why on earth would you be in Snakes on a Plane?" and Jackson talked about how he heard the guy doing the effects on SoaP was the same guy who did the effects on Final Destination II and he thought those were cool so he wanted to work with the guy and Stewart kind of laughed at the idea of Final Destination II and Jackson just looked at him like he didn't get what Stewart was mocking and it struck me there that Jackson just loves movies. He apparently enjoys movies uncritically and pretty much just thinks they are cool, whether they be highbrow masterpieces or crappier sequels to crappy movies. So I just assume that is why he is in every movie that he is offered: he likes movies.
posted by ND¢ at 1:20 PM on March 5, 2009 [6 favorites]
posted by ND¢ at 1:20 PM on March 5, 2009 [6 favorites]
Hey, this is about Samuel Jackson.
Don't you dare drag Christopher Walken into this and speak ill of him. I might have to do some damage you won't walk away from, like punching you in the dick.
posted by dios at 1:22 PM on March 5, 2009
Don't you dare drag Christopher Walken into this and speak ill of him. I might have to do some damage you won't walk away from, like punching you in the dick.
posted by dios at 1:22 PM on March 5, 2009
It'll be Iron Man style cameos in nine films (okay maybe slightly bigger roles in the Avengers ones).
I'm pretty sure that like the previous Mighty Marvel Movies shotgun approach, some will be good movies (Spiderman 1 and 2, X-Men 1 and 2), some will be bad movies (Daredevil, either Hulk), and some will be really, really, jaw-droppingly awful movies (Spider-Man 3, X-Men 3, Fantastic Four).
I'm also pretty sure Sam will be exactly the same level of ironically excellent in each.
posted by rokusan at 5:07 PM on March 5, 2009
I'm pretty sure that like the previous Mighty Marvel Movies shotgun approach, some will be good movies (Spiderman 1 and 2, X-Men 1 and 2), some will be bad movies (Daredevil, either Hulk), and some will be really, really, jaw-droppingly awful movies (Spider-Man 3, X-Men 3, Fantastic Four).
I'm also pretty sure Sam will be exactly the same level of ironically excellent in each.
posted by rokusan at 5:07 PM on March 5, 2009
So I just assume that is why he is in every movie that he is offered: he likes movies.
Also he starved for a long, long, time doing bit parts. After years of that shit you become a fan of paychecks.
posted by tkchrist at 5:09 PM on March 5, 2009
Also he starved for a long, long, time doing bit parts. After years of that shit you become a fan of paychecks.
posted by tkchrist at 5:09 PM on March 5, 2009
Epic Epic link.
We stayed in the theater after Iron Man credits because we heard there was a spoiler, if you will.
This news almost made me wet my pants!
Thank you!
posted by will wait 4 tanjents at 9:07 PM on March 5, 2009
We stayed in the theater after Iron Man credits because we heard there was a spoiler, if you will.
This news almost made me wet my pants!
Thank you!
posted by will wait 4 tanjents at 9:07 PM on March 5, 2009
I've suspected for a while now that by writing a big enough check, you could have Jackson and Walken wearing clown suits at your kid's birthday party.
How big a check and do you have to have kids?
posted by The Whelk at 9:25 PM on March 5, 2009 [1 favorite]
How big a check and do you have to have kids?
posted by The Whelk at 9:25 PM on March 5, 2009 [1 favorite]
a suddenly-buff Joseph Gordon-Levitt
From your mouth to God's ear.
posted by dirtynumbangelboy at 9:28 PM on March 5, 2009
From your mouth to God's ear.
posted by dirtynumbangelboy at 9:28 PM on March 5, 2009
and Stewart kind of laughed at the idea of Final Destination II and Jackson just looked at him like he didn't get what Stewart was mocking
Jackson probably had this scene in mind from Final Destination II. It's no wonder he wanted to work with the man responsible, this is recognized as one of the best car crash scenes ever filmed. (Seeing it on YouTube does it little justice, sadly.)
posted by Kraftmatic Adjustable Cheese at 10:19 PM on March 8, 2009 [1 favorite]
Jackson probably had this scene in mind from Final Destination II. It's no wonder he wanted to work with the man responsible, this is recognized as one of the best car crash scenes ever filmed. (Seeing it on YouTube does it little justice, sadly.)
posted by Kraftmatic Adjustable Cheese at 10:19 PM on March 8, 2009 [1 favorite]
Jackson talked about how he heard the guy doing the effects on SoaP was the same guy who did the effects on Final Destination II and he thought those were cool so he wanted to work with the guy
It's also the same director.
posted by brundlefly at 6:24 PM on March 9, 2009
It's also the same director.
posted by brundlefly at 6:24 PM on March 9, 2009
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