Samuel L. Jackson is to star in the western ‘Man of War’ for Paramount Pictures. The film is expected to begin production later this year, adding to Paramount’s growing slate of projects.
The 76-year-old will portray a recently retired and highly respected general who returns to his rural Georgia hometown following the death of his wife. Upon his arrival, he finds the community plagued by corruption, gentrification, and deep-rooted racism. The role will showcase Jackson’s renowned range as an actor, with early script readings already generating industry buzz.
Drawing on his military experience and tactical skills, he launches a fierce battle against the powerful billionaire exploiting the town and its people. Industry insiders report the film will feature intense action sequences alongside thoughtful commentary on social issues affecting rural communities.
‘Man of War’ is to be helmed and produced by ‘Ride Along’ director Tim Story, who will be working from a script written by Sheldon Turner. Turner’s previous writing credits include “Up in the Air,” which earned him an Academy Award nomination.
Meanwhile, Turner and Jennifer Klein will be producing ‘Man of War’ under their 100 per cent Productions banner alongside the director’s The Story Company – with the filmmaker’s wife Vicky Story to serve as executive producer. The production team has assembled an impressive crew of industry veterans, many having previously collaborated on successful western genre films.
In recent years, Jackson has become known for playing S.H.I.E.L.D. director Nick Fury in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), and has portrayed the character since 2008’s ‘Iron Man’. His portrayal of the enigmatic spy chief has made him one of the most recognizable figures in the franchise.
“He told me, ‘Hopefully you’ll be able to find a character that, when you make bad movies and they don’t make any money, you can always go back to this character everybody loves,'” Jackson – whose last outing as Nick Fury came in the Disney+ spin-off show ‘Secret Invasion’ in 2023 – recently revealed his ‘Die Hard with a Vengeance’ co-star Bruce Willis advised him to find a character he could also return to if his movies ever started to bomb at the box office.
Speaking with Vanity Fair magazine, Jackson said: “He said, ‘Arnold’s [Schwarzenegger] got ‘Terminator’. Sylvester’s [Stallone] got ‘Rocky’, ‘Rambo’. I’ve got John McClane’.” This advice proved prescient as Jackson found his franchise character in Nick Fury.
The ‘Pulp Fiction’ star revealed his reaction to Willis’ advice was “oh, okay”, but years later, he realized he had done exactly what ‘The Sixth Sense’ actor had told him to do once he landed the role of Nick Fury. This career strategy has contributed to Jackson’s impressive box office success throughout his career.
Jackson recounted: “It didn’t occur to me until I got that Nick Fury role – and I had a nine-picture deal to be Nick Fury – that, ‘Oh, I’m doing what Bruce said. I’ve got this character now’.” The security of a recurring character has allowed Jackson to pursue diverse roles throughout his career.
The ‘Star Wars’ actor previously admitted he was taken aback after he signed the nine-picture deal with Marvel, and was worried he may not live long enough to see out the contract. Jackson has now appeared in multiple Marvel productions throughout his tenure with the studio.
He explained to GQ magazine: “How long do you have to stay alive to make nine movies? It’s not the quickest process in the world. I didn’t know they were going to make nine movies in like two and a half years. That’s kind of crazy.” Marvel’s production schedule has made Jackson one of Hollywood’s busiest actors.
Jackon’s future as Nick Fury is currently unknown, with the actor being absent from the ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ cast announcement in March. Fans have speculated about potential appearances in future Marvel projects.
Other notable actors not included in the cast reveal included Tom Holland (Spider-Man), Chris Evans (Captain America/ The Human Torch), Mark Ruffalo (Hulk) and Benedict Cumberbatch (Doctor Strange). The uncertainty surrounding these beloved characters has generated significant discussion among the Marvel fanbase.
‘Man of War’ represents an exciting new direction for Jackson, allowing him to lead a western film that combines action with social commentary. The project is currently in pre-production with casting for supporting roles underway.
