Samuel L. Jackson is in negotiations to star in the next movie from director J.J. Abrams.
If the deal closes, he’ll join a cast that includes Glen Powell, Jenna Ortega and “Sex Education” star Emma Mackey. Abrams is writing and directing the untitled feature, of which details have been kept under wraps. Bad Robot, the company founded by Abrams, will serve as a producer.
Warner Bros. is backing the film, which is expected to commence production in the United Kingdom this spring. It’s unclear when the movie is slated to hit theaters.
This new project is Abrams first directorial effort since 2019’s “Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker,” which culminated the nine-part saga to the tune of $1 billion at the global box office. Jackson, who portrayed Jedi Master Mace Windu in the “Star Wars” prequel trilogy, briefly worked with Abrams for a voice cameo for the climax of “Rise of Skywalker.” Abrams’ other filmmaking efforts include such blockbusters as “Mission: Impossible III,” “Star Trek” and “Super 8.” As a producer, Abrams has worked on “Cloverfield” and its two sequels, as well as three “Mission: Impossible” installments.
This year, Jackson led the cast of “The Piano Lesson,” Netflix’s adaptation of the August Wilson play in which he reprised his role as Doaker Charles from the 2022 Broadway revival. He also appeared in Matthew Vaughn’s spy thriller “Argylle” and the Peacock miniseries “Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist.” Jackson, the Oscar nominated “Pulp Fiction” actor, is also known for “Jackie Brown,” “Django Unchained,” M. Night Shyamalan’s “Unbreakable,” “Shaft,” “Snakes on a Plane” and playing Nick Fury in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
The Hollywood Reporter broke the news of Jackson’s casting.
