“Really, motherf—ers?”: Samuel L Jackson Feels a Deleted Scene in $152M Movie Could’ve Got Him an Oscar
Samuel L. Jackson is an American actor and producer best known for his forceful and versatile performances in a number of classic films. Samuel L. Jackson has appeared in numerous films over the course of his career, including Die Hard with a Vengeance, A Time to Kill, The Negotiator, Deep Blue Sea, The Avengers and its sequels, Django Unchained, Kingsman: The Secret Service, and many more. He is well-known for his distinct voice, imposing screen presence, and frequent portrayal of strong, no-nonsense characters. Aside from his vast history, Jackson is best known for his roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Nick Fury, the director of S.H.I.E.L.D.
However, it was Jackson’s cooperation with filmmaker Quentin Tarantino in the 1994 picture Pulp Fiction that propelled him to international prominence. He received critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his depiction of hitman Jules Winnfield. Samuel L. Jackson believes he should have received an Academy Award for his performance in a 1990s thriller A Time to Kill. After 150 films and half a century on the big screen, the celebrated actor has yet to win a competitive Oscar.
Samuel L Jackson Expresses Regret Over a Deleted Scene
According to Samuel L. Jackson, a deleted scene from the 1996 courtroom drama A Time to Kill had the potential to secure him an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. The film, based on a novel by John Grisham, revolves around Jackson’s character, who stands trial after seeking justice for his 10-year-old daughter, who was abducted and raped by two white men. A Time to Kill also starred Sandra Bullock, Kevin Spacey, and Matthew McConaughey alongside Jackson. The actor said,
“And there were specific things we shot, things I did to make sure that she understood that, but in the editing process, they got taken out. And it looked like I killed those dudes and then planned every move to make sure that I was going to get away with it. When I saw it, I was sitting there like, ‘What the f***?’”
Jackson went on to express his belief that certain removed scenes from the film had a significant impact on his chances of winning an Oscar. The acclaimed Pulp Fiction star fondly recalled a particular scene that left onlooking cast and crew members in tears, even though it didn’t make it into the final cut. Despite feeling frustrated by the decision, Jackson acknowledged the necessity of trimming individual moments to serve the larger story.
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The Deleted Scene in the Film A Time to Kill
In an interview, Samuel L Jackson passionately expressed, “In A Time to Kill, when I kill those guys, I kill them because my daughter needs to know that those guys are not on the planet anymore..” This demonstrates the fierce determination of his character and the depths to which he would go to safeguard his daughter. He revealed that he approached the role with this unwavering resolve, ensuring that every aspect of his portrayal emphasized his protective instincts. Regrettably, during the editing process, some of these crucial scenes, which further emphasized his commitment to safeguarding his daughter, were removed. Reflecting on the experience, he shared,
“That was one of the first times that I saw that happening. There are instances in other movies where I’ve thought, ‘Why was that moment taken out?’ Because that moment, within the context of the film, holds immense emotional weight.”
During a candid interview, Jackson expressed his heartfelt disappointment regarding a specific scene close to his heart that ultimately didn’t make it to the final version of the film. With a tinge of regret in his voice, he revealed how this particular scene had been meticulously crafted, reflecting his passion and dedication as an actor.
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Source: Entertainment Weekly
