Back in 2017, iconic actor Samuel L. Jackson (Pulp Fiction, Django Unchained) attracted plenty of attention when he shared his views on the hiring of Black British actors in American films. What initially may have seemed like a bold comment quickly escalated into a heated discussion about representation, discrimination, and the state of diversity in the film industry.
In a 2017 interview with Hot 97, a radio station in New York City, Jackson, 75, expressed his opinion that the lead role in Jordan Peele’s politically charged feature debut, Get Out, should have gone to an American actor rather than Daniel Kaluuya, the British actor. Jackson also cited Selma, the historical drama directed by Ava DuVernay and starring David Oyelowo as Martin Luther King Jr.
While Jackson may have raised some valid points about representation, his rhetoric drew attention because it was discriminatory and exclusionary.
Samuel L. Jackson’s Remarks Sparked a Fiery Debate over Diversity in American Cinema
In an effort to set the record straight, Samuel L. Jackson has clarified his contentious remarks criticizing the casting of Black British actors in movies regarding racial relations in America. Speaking to New York radio station Hot 97 about Get Out, which starred British actor Daniel Kaluuya, the Kong: Skull Island actor made the following remarks (via The Independent)
“There are a lot of Black British actors in these movies. I tend to wonder what would that movie would have been with an American brother who really feels that. Daniel grew up in a country where they’ve been interracial dating for a hundred years… What would a brother from America have made of that role? I’m sure the director helped, but some things are universal, but [not everything].”
Expanding on his argument, Jackson also brought up Selma, a historical drama film directed by Ava DuVernay and starring David Oyelowo as Martin Luther King Jr.
“There are some brothers in America who could have been in that movie who would have had a different idea about how King thinks.”
Black British actors have been featured in many Hollywood productions that explore racial relations, including David Oyelowo’s Selma portrayal of Martin Luther King Jr. and Chiwetel Ejiofor’s Oscar-winning film 12 Years a Slave.
Samuel L. Jackson: Making Black Brit Actors’ Comments were ‘Not a slam’
Speaking to the Associated Press at the Kong: Skull Island premiere, Samuel L. Jackson clarified that although the public may not have misinterpreted his comment, his intention was to criticize the system that permits foreign actors to play leading parts in American productions. In his words:
“It was not a slam against them, but it was just a comment about how Hollywood works in an interesting sort of way sometimes.”
Jackson continued by praising the acting prowess of his British colleagues, but he claimed that casting British actors in American-produced roles was unfair to both sides:
“We’re not afforded that same luxury, but that’s fine, we have plenty of opportunities to work. I enjoy their work. I enjoy working with them when I have the opportunity to do that.”
Black British actor John Boyega, who is most known for his role as Finn in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, responded to Jackson’s remarks on X. He wrote:
Black brits vs African American. A stupid ass conflict we don't have time for.
— John Boyega (@JohnBoyega) March 8, 2017
Samuel L. Jackson’s remarks have undoubtedly sparked a firestorm of debate over the casting of Black British actors in American films. While the debate over authenticity and representation in the film industry is important, it is critical to approach these discussions with sensitivity and respect for different perspectives.
Ultimately, a balance must be struck between offering opportunities and guaranteeing authentic portrayals, so that the stories we see on screens appeal to viewers of all backgrounds.
