Taking on a role first made famous by Samuel L. Jackson was no easy feat for John David Washington. During the Los Angeles premiere of Netflix’s The Piano Lesson on November 19, the actor spoke to PEOPLE about the pressure he felt in playing Boy Willie, a role Jackson originally portrayed in 1987 at the Yale Repertory Theatre.
In the film adaptation, Jackson plays the family patriarch, Doaker Charles, while John David’s brother, Malcolm Washington, directs his feature film debut. Reflecting on the experience, John David admitted to feeling the weight of expectations early on, acknowledging Jackson’s immense influence and talent.
John David Washington praises Samuel L. Jackson’s career while making the role his own
“He’s a giant,” John David shared, expressing admiration for Jackson’s long career and his belief that Jackson deserves an Academy Award. He added that it was surreal to stand in the footsteps of someone he considers a legend and close friend of his parents, Denzel and Pauletta Washington.
Jackson’s contributions to the revival of The Piano Lesson extend beyond the film. In 2022, he and his wife, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, collaborated with John David and Ray Fisher to bring the play to Broadway.
Denzel Washington, who has long supported the project, is a producer on the new film, which also features Fisher and a talented cast that includes Danielle Deadwyler, Erykah Badu, Skylar Aleece Smith, Jerrika Hinton, Gail Bean, and Corey Hawkins.
Acknowledging the legacy of Jackson’s iconic portrayal, John David expressed how nervous he was to fill such big shoes. He spoke candidly about the challenge of taking on a role with such a rich history, referencing past performances by Samuel L. Jackson and Charles Dutton. Despite the nerves, John David embraced the challenge and took it head-on.
The Piano Lesson also marks a major family collaboration. John David’s sister, Katia Washington, is a producer on the film, adding an extra layer of excitement and pressure to the experience.
John David revealed that working alongside his talented family made the process both nerve-wracking and enjoyable, as he wanted to give his best for them and the shared creative vision.
