Samuel L. Jackson Threatened to Shoot ‘Pulp Fiction’ Producers in a Wild Audition
Samuel L. Jackson earned his only Oscar nomination for playing Jules Winnfield in 1994’s Pulp Fiction. He has an iconic way of performing that commands an audience. Jackson’s experience auditioning for Pulp Fiction didn’t go smoothly, as he threatened to shoot the producers while in character. However, it instantly won them over and earned him the coveted role.
Samuel L. Jackson ‘Pulp Fiction’ Bible quote
Quentin Tarantino‘s Pulp Fiction rightfully won the Oscar for Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen. Many other filmmakers attempt to emulate his signature writing style that makes Pulp Fiction so special. However, even Tarantino pulls inspiration from a variety of sources in his own life.
Jackson’s Pulp Fiction Bible quote continues to impress moviegoers. The dialogue in this particular scene is one of the most iconic sequences in film history. It’s Ezekiel 25:17, but with Jules’ unique spin on it sells the bit:
“The path of the righteous man is beset on all sides by the inequities of the selfish and the tyranny of evil men. Blessed is he, who in the name of charity and goodwill, shepherds the weak through the valley of darkness, for he is truly his brother’s keeper and the finder of lost children. And I will strike down upon thee with great vengeance and furious anger those who would attempt to poison and destroy my brothers. And you will know my name is the Lord when I lay my vengeance upon thee.”
Samuel L. Jackson threatened to shoot producers if they give another actor the Jules Winnfield role
Vanity Fair posted an oral history on Pulp Fiction, which revealed some fascinating behind-the-scenes information. Jackson recalls being, “angry, pissed, tired” entering the audition with some fast food. Nobody was there to greet him and someone involved in the production confused him with Laurence Fishburne.
“In comes Sam with a burger in his hand and a drink in the other hand and stinking like fast food,” co-executive producer Richard Gladstein said. “Me and Quentin and Lawrence [Bender] were sitting on the couch, and he walked in and just started sipping that shake and biting that burger and looking at all of us.”
Gladstein continued: “I was scared s***less. I thought that this guy was going to shoot a gun right through my head. His eyes were popping out of his head. And he just stole the part.”
“He was the guy you see in the movie,” producer Lawrence Bender said, then quoting Jackson. “‘Do you think you’re going to give this part to somebody else? I’m going to blow you motherf***ers away.’”
Jackson performed so well in the role, they figured out how Pulp Fiction was going to end.
Where to watch ‘Pulp Fiction’
Unfortunately, Pulp Fiction isn’t available on Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime. However, audiences can stream Tarantino’s classic movie through Pluto TV and Starz.
Pulp Fiction is also available for rent or purchase through digital retailers, such as Amazon, Apple TV, YouTube, and Vudu.
