Additional Coverage:
- Bruce Willis told Samuel L. Jackson to get cast as someone ‘everybody loves’ for a stable career. He later got the role of Nick Fury. (businessinsider.com)
Bruce Willis Gave Samuel L. Jackson Career-Altering Advice
Back in 1994, while filming “Die Hard With A Vengeance,” Bruce Willis offered Samuel L. Jackson some sage career advice.
According to Jackson, Willis suggested finding a beloved franchise character to fall back on for career stability. He pointed to his own John McClane, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Terminator, and Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky and Rambo as prime examples.
Jackson took that advice to heart, eventually landing the role of Nick Fury in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Beginning with a post-credit scene in 2008’s “Iron Man,” Jackson’s Fury became a cornerstone of the MCU, appearing in twelve films, two television series, and three video games.
He even secured a nine-picture deal upfront. Reflecting on his success as Fury, Jackson recalled Willis’s advice, realizing he’d found his own iconic character.
Though Jackson’s first leading role in the MCU, the Disney+ series “Secret Invasion,” wasn’t a critical hit, his overall Marvel career has undoubtedly contributed to his impressive box office success. He’s also starred in other major franchises like the “Star Wars” prequels, further solidifying his status as a Hollywood heavyweight.
While franchise roles have provided Jackson with a lucrative and stable career, it’s worth noting that other actors have achieved similar success without relying on sequels. Stars like Leonardo DiCaprio, Daniel Day-Lewis, and Meryl Streep demonstrate that diverse, challenging roles can also lead to long and prosperous careers in Hollywood.