Once upon a time in Hollywood, Samuel L. Jackson refused to work with 50 Cent!
The Marvel star and Hip-hop icon are some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry, with numerous accolades under their belts.
However, being media giants didn’t mean that the dynamic duo were the best pals as the Box Office King once turned down a role in the “Candy Shop” rapper’s debut movie.
Samuel L. Jackson Was Offered A Role In “Get Rich or Die Tryin'”
MEGAAs shared by MovieWeb, the “Pulp Fiction” star opened up about his views on working with famous artists during a 2005 interview.
The father-of-one shared his thoughts on the matter while discussing his role as Ken Carter, a real-life basketball coach, in the sensational drama “Coach Carter.”
Jackson co-starred on the hit movie alongside Hollywood sweethearts like Robert Ri’chard and Channing Tatum. Most notable among the cast, however, was the songstress Ashanti.
Although the “Star Wars” actor didn’t have any scenes with the “Foolish” singer, the Washington native sang her praises for being a good actress.
According to “The Avengers” star, the Grammy winner was a naturally gifted performer as she didn’t have any “false or actory moments” while filming her parts.
This revelation came as a surprise as the Hollywood veteran once stated that qualified actors and actresses were being ignored for “big rappers and singers.”
Regarding his previous statement, the outspoken TV personality explained that he bore no negative feelings towards musicians as his quarrel was with “producers and Hollywood people.”
The 4-time NAACP Image Award winner explained that he didn’t like the fact that showrunners believed a successful artist could headline a movie while putting an established actor on the sidelines.
MEGATo avoid misunderstandings, Jackson clarified that he didn’t mind working with rappers or singers as long as these individuals were worthy of their roles. In his words:
“I’ve been around a lot of people from the hip hop community that have come into this business through legitimate ways whether they spent time on television or did some other movies.”
Some of these artists, whom “The Hitman’s Bodyguard” star believed have earned the right to be recognized as entertainers, included “Ice Cube, Todd ‘LL Cool J,’ Busta Rhymes, Method Man, and Queen Latifah.
As for who didn’t make the list, the candidate was none other than 50 Cent. About a month or two before the juicy interview, the BAFTA Award winner was offered a role in the rapper’s movie.
The “In Da Club” artist made his film debut in “Get Rich or Die Tryin,” a 2005 hip-hop crime drama film centered around the icon’s life. However, Jackson wasn’t interested in collaborating with an unproven actor.
At the time, the actor rejected the offer without looking at the script because he knew it wasn’t something he wanted to do, especially with the privileges 50 Cent got for the film. The “Captain Marvel” star said:
“How does he get to work with Jim Sheridan and I don’t! Jim Sheridan, who did ‘In America’ and what is it about 50 Cents that makes Jim Sheridan say, I’d really like to make a movie with him.”
Despite his harsh criticism, the “Unbreakable” star enjoyed grooving to the rapper’s music. Nonetheless, he wasn’t ready to collaborate with the “Many Men” artist.
However, the entertainer confessed that he wouldn’t mind working with the “Power” star once he did a couple of movies and proved he had talent.
The Highest-Grossing Actor Of All Time Has Never Won An Academy Award
MEGAEarlier this month, The Blast revealed that the critically-acclaimed actor, who has achieved worldwide fame, didn’t have an Academy Award in his trophy room.
Despite making headlines and stealing hearts with his phenomenal performances, the Oscars repeatedly shunned the 73-year-old actor.
In his highly successful career, the Hollywood legend has received a single nomination for the prestigious award, which occurred in 1995.
For his role in the hit movie “Pulp Fiction, ” Jackson received a nomination for Best Supporting Actor. However, after losing his first and last Academy Award limelight, the committee has finally recognized his talents.
At the upcoming Oscars, the “A Time to Kill” star is set to receive an honorary award for his outstanding work in the movie industry.
