SAMUEL L JACKSON - JACKSON JOINS 'FOE' 50 CENT IN IRAQ MOVIE

Actor SAMUEL L JACKSON is set to star alongside 50 CENT in a forthcoming film, despite turning down the chance to appear in the rapper's big screen debut.

The PULP FICTION star, 57, will play a army medic struggling to cope with life back in the United States after returning from the war in Iraq, in HOME OF THE BRAVE.

Last year (05) Jackson was approached to star in 50 Cent's semi-autobiographical GET RICH OR DIE TRYIN', but turned the role down because he didn't approve of rappers becoming actors.

Jackson said, "I like listening to 50 Cent and I can groove to his music but I don't want to groove to him on screen, just yet. Maybe if he does five movies and he shows some talent.

"I mean how does he get to work with JIM SHERIDAN and I don't. What is it about 50 Cent that makes Jim Sheridan say, 'I'd really like to make a movie with him?'"

IRVINE WINKLER is set to direct and produce the $12 million (GBP6.6 million) movie, which starts filming in Morocco next month (MAR06).