Samuel L. Jackson Shares the Tarantino Role That Stands Above the Rest

Samuel L. Jackson has had one of the most enduring collaborations in modern cinema with Quentin Tarantino, starting with their groundbreaking work on Pulp Fiction in 1994. Over the years, Jackson has stepped into a variety of Tarantino’s worlds, playing everything from philosophical hitmen to calculating bounty hunters.

While many fans immediately associate him with Jules Winnfield, Jackson himself has named a different character as his personal favorite. In a conversation with Esquire, Jackson revealed his deep connection to Stephen.

“Stephen was running that plantation. He was the one keeping everything in order, from the finances to the crops,” Jackson said, explaining why he found the role so compelling. He saw Stephen as the true power behind Calvin Candie, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, and appreciated the character’s complex, morally twisted sense of loyalty.

Jackson was fascinated by Stephen’s unique position. “He raised Candie from birth and did whatever he needed to stay on top. That’s what made him so interesting to me,” he added.

Playing a character who operated as the brains behind such a cruel system offered Jackson a rare challenge and gave him the chance to explore a darker, more manipulative type of villain. He described the role as one of his favorite collaborations with Tarantino because it required balancing intelligence, cruelty, and subtlety all at once.

The complexity of Stephen allowed Jackson to showcase the full range of his acting skills. Unlike more straightforward antagonists, Stephen’s motivations were layered and conflicted, and Jackson relished bringing that depth to the screen.

“He’s not just a bad guy; he’s calculating, loyal in his own twisted way, and he runs the place,” Jackson said. It was a role that required careful attention to the character’s mannerisms, voice, and the quiet authority he wielded over those around him.

Jackson’s performance in Django Unchained stands out because it demonstrates his ability to dominate a scene without needing to be the largest or loudest presence. The character’s influence is felt throughout the film, shaping the tension and driving the story forward.

For Jackson, Stephen was a rare opportunity to inhabit someone whose power is hidden yet undeniable, a complexity that made the role deeply satisfying. Beyond his work with Tarantino, Samuel L. Jackson has remained a powerhouse in Hollywood.

He recently celebrated the critical and commercial success of The Piano Lesson, reprising his Tony-nominated stage role as Doaker Charles. The film explores a family’s struggles and resilience, and critics have praised Jackson’s performance as the emotional center of the story.

Jackson is also venturing into major new projects. He has joined J.J. Abrams’ highly anticipated sci-fi epic The Great Beyond, set for a November release, alongside stars like Glen Powell and Jenna Ortega.

On television, he is expanding his role in the “Sheridan-verse” with NOLA King, a Tulsa King spin-off that follows crime and corruption in New Orleans, marking Jackson’s first major lead in a gritty, character-driven TV drama.

Do you think Samuel L. Jackson’s performance as Stephen in Django Unchained is the highlight of his career? Share your thoughts in the comments.