Actor Samuel L. Jackson expressed in an interview with Rolling Stone that the election of President Trump in 2016 had a profound impact on his Marvel co-star, Brie Larson, while they were working together on set.
According to Jackson, many Hollywood liberals, including Larson, were outraged by the unexpected political upset, and he had to provide her with encouragement during that challenging time. Jackson also criticized Trump, asserting that he represents the same type of individuals who had previously used racial slurs against him.
In their conversation, Jackson discussed his friendship with Larson, which developed while filming “Kong: Skull Island” in 2017, as well as during another project for Netflix. He mentioned bonding with Larson over the 2016 election during the filming of the latter movie.
Jackson explained, “We became close friends during our work on Kong, which was a difficult experience for both of us. We bonded over the challenges we faced.” He further added, “While she was working on her film [Unicorn Store], I was in the makeup trailer with her and suggested that she should consider casting me in the movie. She thought I would never agree, but when I expressed my interest, we decided to collaborate.”
Jackson revealed that Larson was deeply affected by Trump’s victory, and he had to provide her with motivation to overcome her disappointment. “During the election, while we were working on her film, Donald Trump’s win really shook her. She felt broken, and I told her, ‘Don’t let them break you. You need to be strong now,'” he recalled.
When Larson emphasized the importance of diversity in movies and highlighted the significance of her film, “Captain Marvel,” as Marvel’s first solo female-led project, she faced criticism from certain fans. Jackson dismissed the backlash as coming from individuals who “hate strong women.”
“But she won’t allow any of that to affect her. These individuals who resent powerful women or dislike the fact that she’s a feminist and expresses her opinions—she won’t let them destroy her. Everyone wants others to conform to their expectations, but she remains true to herself, genuinely,” Jackson stated.
Regarding Trump, Jackson drew parallels between the former president, the Republican Party, and the racist individuals he encountered in his upbringing. He claimed that the Republican Party, like the people from his past, discriminates against young people, gay individuals, and anyone who doesn’t conform to their ideals.
“When I look at Trump, I see the same kind of people I encountered growing up—racist individuals who used racial slurs against me and attempted to suppress me. That’s what the Republican Party represents to me. They are doing the same to young people and the LGBTQ+ community. They don’t care about your identity; if you’re not like them, you’re their enemy,” he expressed.
