(AllHipHop News) During an interview with Hot 97, Samuel L. Jackson was critical of Hollywood for turning to Black British actors for roles in American movies.
The Kong: Skull Island star specifically spoke about Daniel Kaluuya playing the main part in the hit movie Get Out.
Director Jordan Peele’s satirical horror flick addressed interracial dating and racism in the United States.
“I tend to wonder what that movie had been with an American brother who really understands that in a way. Daniel grew up in a country where they’ve been interracial dating for a hundred years,” said Jackson.
He continued, “What would a brother from America had made of that role?”
Kaluuya addressed Jackson’s comments in an interview with GQ.
“Here’s the thing about that critique, though. I’m dark-skinned, bro. When I’m around black people I’m made to feel ‘other’ because I’m dark-skinned. I’ve had to wrestle with that, with people going ‘You’re too black,'” said the London native. “Then I come to America and they say, ‘You’re not black enough.’ I go to Uganda, I can’t speak the language. In India, I’m black. In the black community, I’m dark-skinned. In America, I’m British. Bro!”
Kaluuya added, “Let me say, I’m not trying to culture-vulture the thing. I empathize. That script spoke to me. I’ve been to Ugandan weddings, and funerals, and seen that cousin bring a white girl. That’s a thing in all communities. I really respect African American people. I just want to tell black stories.”
The 27-year-old son of Ugandan immigrants also praised Jackson for breaking down doors.
In his talk with Ebro In The Morning, Jackson expressed, despite the use of a British actor, the success of Get Out was great.