Samuel L Jackson says it ‘disturbs’ him to be called a ‘legend’

Actor struck up a conversation about the term after being feted with the Savannah Film Festival’s 2020 Legend of Cinema Award

Samuel L Jackson has spoken out against being called a “legend” by fans and media.

The actor – who has portrayed numerous iconic roles including in Pulp Fiction, Coach Carter, and in the Star Wars franchise – was recently feted with the Savannah Film Festival’s 2020 Legend of Cinema Award.

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, however, the 71-year-old began a conversation about the word “legend” and revealed that the term, when used in reference to himself, “disturbs” him.

“Legends are people who accomplish things that can’t be accomplished by other people, or did something that’s super extraordinary,” he said. “I just persevered through hard work and doggedness to get where I am.”

During the interview, Jackson also revealed which of his movies – of which there are over 150 – he would rewatch today: Coach Carter, Pulp Fiction, Jackie Brown, One Eight Seven and Deep Blue Sea.

Jackson’s role as Jules Winnfield in Quentin Tarantino’s 1994 classic ‘Pulp Fiction’ remains one of his most iconic (Rex)

The Star Wars actor will reportedly feature in a forthcoming Disney Plus show focused on his Marvel character Nick Fury, however, a release date for the series is yet to be announced.

In May 2021 audiences will see Jackson opposite Chris Rock in the delayed Saw  spinoff titled Spiral. 

The actor is also set to reprise his role in The Hitman’s Bodyguard for a sequel starring Salma Hayek and Ryan Reynolds.