Samuel L Jackson to headline Man of War

Paramount Pictures is moving forward with Man of War, a Western set to star Academy Award nominee Samuel L Jackson. Tim Story will direct and produce the film. In Man of War, Jackson will portray a venerated, recently retired general who goes back to his rural Georgia hometown following his wife's passing. He soon discovers that his community is grappling with corruption, the pressures of gentrification, and deep-seated racism. Drawing upon his extensive military training and strategic acumen, the general will fight the forces exploiting the town.

The screenplay for Man of War is by Sheldon Turner, who previously received an Oscar nomination for his adapted screenplay for the George Clooney-starrer Up in the Air. Turner and Jennifer Klein are producing the project under their banner, 100% Productions. Story will also produce, with Vicky Story of The Story Company serving as an executive producer.

Tim Story has helmed 10 big studio features, including Tom and Jerry, Think Like A Man, Think Like A Man Too, Fantastic Four, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, Ride Along, Ride Along 2, and Barbershop. Reportedly, Story holds the distinction of being the first Black director to surpass $1 billion in worldwide box office earnings. He also broke ground as the first Black director to helm a Marvel movie and subsequently the first to direct two films within the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Story’s upcoming projects include The Pick Up, featuring actor Eddie Murphy, slated for release this year through Amazon Studios, and a Netflix film with Kevin Hart titled 72 Hours, which is currently in pre-production.

Samuel L Jackson garnered a 1995 Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his iconic role in Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction. His extensive filmography boasts more than 150 credits, and he has received numerous accolades throughout his career, including Golden Globe, Tony Award, SAG, and Emmy nominations, besides two Independent Spirit Awards, a BAFTA Award, and four NAACP Image Awards. In 2022, he was conferred with an Honorary Oscar for his significant contributions to the world of cinema. His upcoming films include The Beast with filmmaker Renny Harlin and Afterburn with director JJ Perry.