In a recent interview with Rolling Stone, Samuel L. Jackson passionately defended his colleague and friend, Brie Larson, against the relentless backlash she has faced from particular Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) fans.
Ever since Larson took on the role of Captain Marvel, she has been bombarded with negative reviews, even before the film’s actual release.
While reflecting on his first encounter with Larson on the set of “Kong: Skull Island” in 2017, Jackson acknowledged that it wasn’t the best experience for either of them. However, the challenging circumstances brought them closer as friends, making him appreciate Larson’s strength and resilience.
The Pulp Fiction star recalled a pivotal moment during the 2016 election while they were working on the film “Unicorn Store,” when Donald Trump’s victory disheartened Larson. Jackson offered encouragement, urging her not to let the circumstances break her, as she possessed an inner strength that others often underestimate.
“We bonded through the election while we were doing her movie when Donald Trump won. “She was broken, and I was like, ‘Don’t let ’em break you. You have to be strong now.’ Then, when she got ‘Captain Marvel,’ she called me and was like, ‘They want me in the Marvel Universe. Should I do it?’ And I was like, ‘Hell yeah! Let’s do it!'”
As the interview progressed, Jackson confronted Larson’s detractors, referring to them as “incel” individuals who despise powerful women and resent her unapologetic feminism. He admired Larson’s unwavering determination not to let these critics define her.
“She’s not going to let any of that stuff destroy her. These incel dudes who hate strong women, or the fact that she’s a feminist who has an opinion and expressed it? Everybody wants people to be who they want them to be. She is who she is, and she’s genuinely that.”
Having portrayed Nick Fury in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) since the post-credits “Iron Man” scene in 2008, Samuel L. Jackson has been a steadfast presence. However, it is only with the upcoming Disney+ series “Secret Invasion” that Jackson finally seizes the opportunity to take the lead in a Marvel project. But after all these years, was he actively seeking a leading role in the MCU? Not quite.
Fans can look forward to seeing Larson reprise her role in “The Marvels,” the sequel to “Captain Marvel,” directed by Nia DaCosta, scheduled to hit theaters on November 10th. This time, Larson will share the spotlight with other MCU stars, including Teyonah Parris from “WandaVision” and Iman Vellani from “Ms. Marvel.”
