Actor Samuel L. Jackson revealed a personal anecdote about his Marvel co-star Brie Larson, suggesting that the election of President Trump in 2016 deeply affected her while they were working together on set.
In an exclusive interview, Jackson, known for his iconic roles in Hollywood, shared how he had to offer Larson words of encouragement to help her cope with the unexpected political upset, which had left many liberal figures in Hollywood disgruntled.
Expressing his candid thoughts on the former president and current GOP frontrunner, Jackson asserted that Trump symbolized the same type of individuals who had used racial slurs against him during his earlier years.
Within the Marvel franchise, Jackson portrayed the character Nick Fury, while Larson took on the role of the superhero Captain Marvel in the eponymous film.
In the conversation, Jackson touched upon his friendship with Larson, which developed during the filming of “Kong: Skull Island” in 2017 and another collaborative project for Netflix. Reflecting on their bond, he recalled how they connected over the 2016 election during the production of their second film together.
“We had an interesting time working on Kong. It wasn’t the smoothest experience, and that brought us closer because we both faced challenges,” Jackson remarked.
He continued, “Then, while she was working on her movie [Unicorn Store] and considering a particular actor, I happened to be in the makeup trailer with her. I asked her, ‘Why aren’t you considering me for the role? Is there a reason?’ She replied, ‘I never thought you’d be interested… so, would you do it?’ And I said, ‘Let’s do it.'”
Jackson mentioned that Larson was deeply affected by Trump’s victory and required his support to navigate through the disappointment.
“During the filming of her movie, when Donald Trump emerged as the winner, it really took a toll on her spirit. I told her, ‘Don’t let it break you. You have to stay strong,'” he shared.
When Larson’s “Captain Marvel” was released, she faced criticism for her emphasis on diversity in films. The actress embraced the elements of her film that promoted inclusivity, as it was Marvel’s first solo-female-led production at the time.
“I take pride in being at the forefront of normalizing this kind of content and proving once again that representation matters. Diverse storytelling matters, as does the female experience. These are significant milestones,” Larson expressed during press interviews.
These statements and others drew backlash from certain fans, which Jackson dismissed as the opinions of “men who resent powerful women.”
“But she won’t let any of that negativity destroy her. These individuals who despise strong women or take issue with her feminist beliefs? They want people to conform to their expectations. But she remains true to herself. She is authentic through and through,” he affirmed.
Returning to the topic of Trump, Jackson associated the former president and the Republican Party with the same prejudiced individuals, or “rednecks,” he encountered in his upbringing.
“When I see Trump, I am reminded of the very same narrow-minded individuals I encountered as a child, who hurled racial slurs at me and attempted to suppress my progress. That’s what the Republican Party signifies to me. They perpetuate this behavior towards young people, the LGBTQ+ community—basically anyone who doesn’t fit their mold. If you’re not one of them, you’re an enemy,” he stated.