In a recent interview with Vanity Fair, actor Samuel L. Jackson reflected on advice he received from Bruce Willis during the filming of "Die Hard With A Vengeance" in 1994. Jackson recounted that Willis suggested he should aim for a lead role in a blockbuster franchise to ensure a stable acting career. Willis noted that having a beloved character could provide a fallback option during less successful projects.
Jackson took this advice to heart and eventually landed the role of Nick Fury in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, first appearing in a post-credit scene in the 2008 film "Iron Man." He recognized this character as the stable foundation Willis had referenced, stating that he understood the significance of the role when he signed a nine-picture deal. Since then, Jackson has portrayed Fury in 12 Marvel films, in addition to roles in two television series and three video games.
In 2023, Jackson starred in the Disney+ series "Secret Invasion," which received mixed reviews from both fans and critics. While specific earnings from his Marvel career have not been disclosed, it is well known that the Marvel franchise is a multi-billion-dollar enterprise.
Jackson's filmography extends beyond Marvel, as he has also appeared in successful franchises such as the "Star Wars" prequels, which grossed a combined total of $2.5 billion. Notably, Jackson has achieved the highest total box office gross of any actor, with $5.8 billion in the U.S. and $13.4 billion worldwide.
It is important to note that while franchise roles can contribute to a stable career, they are not the only path to success in Hollywood. Actors like Leonardo DiCaprio, Daniel Day-Lewis, and Meryl Streep have demonstrated that it is possible to maintain a successful career without relying on sequels or franchise films.