Though once thought to be in jeopardy, Jackson will indeed be playing the role of S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Nick Fury across the Marvel film universe.
Stan Lee may be the king of Marvel movie cameos (having appeared in nearly every film the studio has produced starting with Spider-Man), but no guest appearance is more loved by fans than Samuel L. Jackson’s spot as S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Nick Fury at the end of Iron Man. Not only was it a case of perfect casting (Jackson being the model for Fury in the Ultimate universe), but it was a dog whistle to long-time comic book fans that yes, Marvel is indeed interested in pulling all its films into the same universe.
The Hollywood Reporter has word that not only will Jackson be reprising the role in the inevitable Iron Man sequel, but in nine films total, including the already announced Thor, Captain America and The Avengers, along with the possibility of future films including top billing in a S.H.I.E.L.D. movie currently in development.
Though it was only a month ago that a deal of this magnitude thought to be impossible, as Jackson was reported in the media to be quite upset at the lack of deal in place for Iron Man 2.
“There was a huge kind of negotiation that broke down,” Jackson told the Los Angeles Times. “I don’t know. Maybe I won’t be Nick Fury. Maybe somebody else will be Nick Fury or maybe Nick Fury won’t be in it. There seems to be an economic crisis in the Marvel Comics world so [they’re saying to me], ‘We’re not making that deal.”
Luckily for fans of the movies, it sounds as though Marvel decided to pony up to ensure Jackson’s place in the franchises.
