The Actor's Strike May Not Be Over, Motherf***er, But Samuel L. Jackson May Have Figured Out What He'd Like To Act In Next

From the Disney+ Press Site: Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury in Marvel Studios' SECRET INVASION, exclusively on Disney+.
(Image credit: Photo by Gareth Gatrell. © 2023 MARVEL)

Amid the ongoing SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes that have rocked Hollywood, the entertainment industry has been abuzz with uncertainty over the fate of various projects. However, breaking through the fog of labor disputes and uncertainty, a beacon of hope has emerged in the form of a thrilling new Samuel L. Jackson project. The star who has appeared in many Marvel movies has found his next project, and he’s trading in his Nick Fury eyepatch for a campaign button, as he’s set to star as the U.S. president in a high-octane action movie, which promises to deliver a pulse-pounding experience like no other.

While the strikes have cast doubt over the entertainment world, with many television and movie projects being affected, not all is lost. According to Deadline, while many smaller independent projects have received interim agreements, The Beast is the first significant project to be unveiled amid the turmoil. With Samuel L. Jackson in talks to lead the charge alongside the charismatic Joel Kinnaman, who wowed audiences in The Suicide Squad, the stage is set for an electrifying showdown.

Currently, in the pre-production phase, The Beast has secured an interim agreement from SAG-AFTRA, underscoring a level of commitment and optimism that is in short supply lately. But what sets this project apart is that it promises to ditch stale cliches of past run-of-the-mill action movies; it's a gripping narrative of survival and redemption set against a backdrop of political intrigue and imminent danger. The title hints at the story's core—a presidential limousine christened "The Beast" by the Secret Service. This impenetrable mobile fortress boasts a jaw-dropping arsenal that includes grenades, shotguns, armor plating, and state-of-the-art bullet- and bombproofing.

John Travolta and Samuel L. Jackson pointing guns together in Pulp Fiction

(Image credit: Miramax)

The movie begins when a clandestine militia of unidentified hostiles launches a coup against the United States, and the responsibility of unveiling the classified offensive capabilities of The Beast falls squarely on the shoulders of the Pulp Fiction alum's character, the President of the United States. As he finds himself separated from his wife and thrust into a dangerous situation, the president must confront the external threats and inner demons that dwell within him. It seems like this movie will be a trial of character, resilience, and the determination to survive that's poised to keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

The Beast emerges as an unlikely ray of hope, promising a return to the thrilling world of action movies. With the legendary Samuel L. Jackson in the starring role and the experienced James Madigan, known for his work on The Meg and Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, steering the ship, it's safe to say we're in for an exhilarating cinematic adventure. Keep your eyes peeled for more updates on this exciting project as we gear up for a rollercoaster ride when The Beast roars into theaters.

Along with this movie, Jackson has been playing Nick Fury for over a decade, and it doesn’t seem like he’s stopping any time soon. Fans can relive the magic of his iconic portrayal of the Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. by revisiting the Marvel movies in chronological order, accessible with a Disney+ subscription. Furthermore, MCU fans can eagerly anticipate his return to the big screen this November when The Marvels graces the 2023 movie release schedule, and when it comes to The Beast, we'll be sure to keep you updated on it and its eventual release. 

Ryan LaBee
Writer

Ryan graduated from Missouri State University with a BA in English/Creative Writing. An expert in all things horror, Ryan enjoys covering a wide variety of topics. He's also a lifelong comic book fan and an avid watcher of Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon.