You know how Samuel L. Jackson just never seems to slow down? The man is basically the hardest-working person in Hollywood, and honestly, 2026 is looking like another absolute beast of a year for him. If you've been scouring the trades for info on the new movie Samuel L. Jackson is headlining, you’ve probably seen a lot of "top secret" labels flying around.
But here’s the thing.
The mystery is finally starting to crack. The big news that just dropped is all about a massive sci-fi project called The Great Beyond. It’s a J.J. Abrams film, which explains the "Mystery Box" vibe everyone’s been getting. Warner Bros. just slapped a release date on it: November 13, 2026. This isn't just another cameo where he shows up to say something cool and leave. This is a heavy-hitter production with some of the biggest names in the game right now.
We’re talking Glen Powell and Jenna Ortega. That’s a lot of star power in one room.
What We Actually Know About The Great Beyond
People are already speculating like crazy. Since it's an Abrams film, everyone assumes it's going to be some world-altering space opera. The actual premise, according to early leaks from the WGA and some production chatter out of the UK, is a bit more grounded but way more trippy.
Basically, it follows an author who figures out that the cyberpunk fantasy world he’s been writing about for years is actually a real place.
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Think about that.
Jackson is rumored to be playing a character who either holds the keys to this "other side" or knows way more than he’s letting on. It’s a perfect fit for him. He has that "I know something you don't" energy that makes every line feel like a sermon. They filmed a bunch of this in Glasgow and Edinburgh back in the summer of 2025, and then moved over to Rhode Island for more shots.
The original working title was actually Ghostwriter, which makes total sense given the plot.
The Cast Breakdown
- Glen Powell: Fresh off a massive 2025, he’s the lead.
- Jenna Ortega: Bringing that Wednesday intensity to a sci-fi setting.
- Samuel L. Jackson: The veteran presence who probably knows where all the bodies are buried.
- Emma Mackey: Adding even more weight to an already stacked ensemble.
- Sophie Okonedo & Merritt Wever: Two powerhouse actors who just joined the fray.
Is He Back in the MCU as Nick Fury?
Let’s be real. When people talk about a new movie Samuel L. Jackson is in, they usually mean Marvel.
The short answer? Yes, but you’ll have to wait.
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Avengers: Doomsday is officially on the calendar for December 18, 2026. There was a huge moment recently at Comic-Con where Jackson himself walked out and introduced the cast. It was classic Sam. He basically owns that stage. While we don't have the exact minute-by-minute screen time for Nick Fury, you can bet your life he’s going to be the glue holding the new team together as they face off against Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom.
It’s kind of poetic, isn't it? The man who started the Avengers initiative is still there while the MCU enters this bizarre new phase.
Beyond the Blockbusters: The Piano Lesson and Afterburn
Not everything he does involves explosions or super-suits. If you haven't seen The Piano Lesson yet, you need to fix that. It hit Netflix recently and it is a masterclass. He’s playing Doaker Charles, a role he actually played on Broadway. It’s directed by Malcolm Washington (Denzel’s son), and it’s a deep, soulful look at family legacy.
Then there’s Afterburn.
This one is for the action junkies. It’s a post-apocalyptic story where a massive solar flare has fried half the Earth. Jackson plays a character named King August. He’s starring alongside Dave Bautista, which is a duo I didn’t know I needed until right now. It’s got that gritty, Mad Max meets treasure hunter vibe.
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Why 2026 is the Year of Jackson
Honestly, the range is just ridiculous. He’s doing high-concept sci-fi with J.J. Abrams, world-ending stakes with Marvel, and prestige drama with the Washington family. Most actors his age are looking for a beach to retire on. He’s looking for the next script that lets him yell at someone in a meaningful way.
The industry is changing. Streaming is weird right now.
Warner Bros. is being sold in pieces, Netflix is trying to decide if they want to stay in the movie business, and through all of it, Samuel L. Jackson is just... there. He’s the most reliable brand in Hollywood.
What to Watch First
- The Piano Lesson: If you want the "Prestige Sam" who might win an Oscar.
- Afterburn: If you just want to see him survive a wasteland.
- The Great Beyond (November 2026): If you’re into the big, mind-bending cinema experience.
Keep an eye on the trailers for The Great Beyond dropping late this year. Since Abrams loves his secrets, the first teaser will probably show absolutely nothing, but Jackson’s voice will likely be narrating the whole thing.
If you want to stay ahead of the curve, keep a close watch on the production updates for the J.J. Abrams project; as November 2026 approaches, the marketing blitz will likely reveal whether the "fictional world" in the story is something we’ve seen before or a completely new universe. You should also check out the official trailer for Afterburn if you haven't yet, as it gives a much clearer look at the "King August" persona.