Samuel L. Jackson Reveals ‘One Piece’ Is His Favorite Anime In Viral Video

Few actors in modern cinema history command the cross-generational reverence of Samuel L. Jackson. From defending the galaxy with a customized purple lightsaber in ‘Star Wars’ to assembling earth’s mightiest heroes as Nick Fury throughout the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the veteran performer has never hidden his profound love for graphic literature. His genuine enthusiasm for expressive artistic mediums has long positioned him as a rare Hollywood icon who actively embraces bold storytelling across various entertainment landscapes.

Jackson’s connection to Japanese animation runs far deeper than standard casual viewing or passing celebrity curiosity. The Academy Award-nominated veteran notably served as an executive producer while providing the voice for the title character in ‘Afro Samurai’ and its acclaimed follow-up film, ‘Afro Samurai: Resurrection’. Years later, Jackson permanently cemented his otaku credentials in pop-culture history when he confirmed to WIRED, “Yes, I do,” upon being directly asked if he genuinely enjoyed watching anime.

Now, the beloved superstar has offered an unmistakable update on his personal viewing rotation that is delighting fans across the globe. In a newly surfaced viral video captured against an orange Crunchyroll and Sony media backdrop, Jackson was asked point-blank to name his favorite animated series at this precise moment. Without skipping a beat, the legendary actor grinned and responded by invoking “Monkey,” instantly pointing toward the boundless fictional universe of Eiichiro Oda’s ‘One Piece‘.

The brief clip quickly captivated viewers on social media, driven largely by Jackson’s signature nonchalant charisma. Wearing an autumnal jacket and stylish spectacles, Jackson commanded the handheld microphone while the clip humorously superimposed a digital version of Monkey D. Luffy’s iconic straw hat right over his bucket hat. The charming visual touch struck an immediate chord with the fandom, who celebrated seeing one of the most recognizable voices on the planet openly align himself with the Straw Hat crew.

Jackson’s endorsement arrives during an unprecedented golden age for ‘One Piece’, which has stood as a juggernaut in Japanese entertainment for nearly three decades. Created by Eiichiro Oda in 1997, the sprawling pirate odyssey follows Luffy and his diverse band of eccentric outlaws as they navigate perilous waters in search of the titular treasure. With the animated adaptation now having produced well over 1,100 episodes alongside a smash-hit live-action Netflix series, the property continues to bridge disparate audiences on an international scale.

Seeing a revered movie star of Jackson’s stature validate Luffy’s journey speaks volumes about anime’s ongoing cultural ascendance in Hollywood. During his recent appearance at the inaugural Anime Future Forum in New York, creators and studio executives gathered to discuss how character-driven animation can sustain lasting emotional investments across entire generations. Jackson’s concise answer reinforces that exact sentiment, proving that high-stakes pirate drama resonates just as powerfully with Hollywood royalty as it does with dedicated anime enthusiasts.

For millions of passionate fans who have journeyed through the Grand Line over the years, Jackson’s acknowledgment serves as an exhilarating badge of honor. As ‘One Piece’ moves through monumental narrative milestones across television and manga publications alike, its global cultural footprint only appears to be expanding. With one of the most iconic actors in cinema history proudly waving the Straw Hat banner, the legendary quest for the greatest treasure in the world has never felt more culturally universal.