Samuel L. Jackson is confirmed to return as Nick Fury in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, marking a significant return of the iconic character to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The announcement comes after Jackson’s notable absence from recent Avengers installments, despite his crucial appearances in projects like Secret Invasion and The Marvels.
Jackson’s History and Absence in the Avengers Franchise
Jackson first stepped into the role of Nick Fury in 2008’s Iron Man, establishing the former S.H.I.E.L.D. Director as a key figure in the MCU. However, since Avengers: Age of Ultron, Fury has been largely absent from the team’s major battles. After his dramatic exit orbiting Earth aboard S.A.B.E.R.’s base, fans have been left wondering about his next move and alliances, especially in relation to Captain Marvel and the ongoing search for Monica Rambeau.
Anticipated Role and Potential Team-Ups in Avengers: Doomsday
In Avengers: Doomsday, Fury is expected to play a vital role in leading Earth’s Mightiest Heroes against the monumental threat posed by Doctor Doom to the Multiverse. This return raises hopes for new team-ups, including possible interactions with the X-Men, a crossover that would have seemed unlikely just a decade ago. With the cast already boasting stars like Chris Hemsworth, Anthony Mackie, and Tom Hiddleston, Jackson’s reprisal adds even more weight to the film’s roster.
Jackson’s Reflections on His MCU Journey and Character Aspirations
Samuel L. Jackson has spoken candidly about his original contract with Marvel Studios, revealing,
“I knew I had a nine-picture deal,”
—Samuel L. Jackson. He recalled Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige’s words:
“[Marvel Studios president] Kevin [Feige] said that: ‘We’re going to offer you a nine-picture deal.’ How long do you have to stay alive to make nine movies? It’s not the quickest process in the world.”
—Samuel L. Jackson. Reflecting on how quickly Marvel produced nine films, Jackson added,
“I didn’t know they were going to make nine movies in like two and a half years,”
noting,
“That’s kind of crazy! Oh shit, I’m using up my contracts. It worked out.”
—Samuel L. Jackson.
Jackson has expressed enthusiasm for taking Fury to new places within the MCU, especially Wakanda, Black Panther’s home nation. He remarked on how other Black characters in the Marvel Universe, including Don Cheadle and Anthony Mackie, had already ventured there while Fury had not:
“All the Black people in the Marvel Universe were trying to figure out, ‘Why can’t we go to Wakanda?’ Me, Don, Anthony Mackie… but they made it. They got to go fight. I still didn’t get there,”
he said, adding,
“I thought that about ‘Civil War’ when the kids were fighting. The kids are fighting and I’m not gonna make them go to their rooms? How does that make sense?”
—Samuel L. Jackson.
Cast Details and Creative Team Behind Avengers: Doomsday
Avengers: Doomsday features a star-studded cast including Chris Hemsworth, Anthony Mackie, Winston Duke, Tom Hiddleston, Sebastian Stan, Letitia Wright, Paul Rudd, and Robert Downey Jr. Several actors are making their Avengers franchise debuts, such as Wyatt Russell, Simu Liu, Tenoch Huerta Mejia, Florence Pugh, Danny Ramirez, David Harbour, Hannah John-Kamen, and Lewis Pullman.
The film will also introduce stars from other Marvel franchises. Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Joseph Quinn are leading The Fantastic Four: First Steps, while veteran X-Men actors like Kelsey Grammer, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Alan Cumming, Rebecca Romijn, James Marsden, as well as Deadpool and Wolverine actor Channing Tatum, join the expanding ensemble.
Directors Anthony and Joe Russo, known for their work on Captain America and Avengers films, return to helm Avengers: Doomsday, collaborating once again with writer Stephen McFeely.
Future MCU Installments and Release Timeline
Avengers: Doomsday is scheduled for release on December 18, 2026, followed by Avengers: Secret Wars on December 17, 2027. These films promise to deepen the MCU’s exploration of the Multiverse and forge highly anticipated team-ups among its vast array of heroes and iconic characters.
Colleagues Share Thoughts on Jackson’s Role and Return
Anthony Mackie, who plays Captain America, has hinted at the unpredictable nature of Jackson’s involvement. During the Captain America: Brave New World press tour, he noted,
“If you know anything about Sam, you can’t tell Sam where he’s going to be and what he’s going to be doing,”
and added teasingly,
“Sam is going to tell you where he’s going to be and what he’s going to be doing. So, we’ll see; you never know.”
—Anthony Mackie.
This mix of anticipation and mystery surrounding Jackson’s return only heightens excitement about Nick Fury’s role in the upcoming battles that could shape the fate of the Multiverse.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How did Samuel L. Jackson overcome addiction?
A. By reaching out for expert help and joining a well-organized rehab program, Samuel L. Jackson made a big move to beat drug addiction. The tools, resources, and support he got during this time were vital for his successful recovery.
Q. Is Samuel L. Jackson a billionaire?
A. Jackson’s wealth is estimated at $250 million. Much of this comes from his earnings playing Nick Fury, plus his role as a Capital One spokesperson and his properties on both coasts. Together with his wife, LaTanya Richardson, a sports producer, they purchased a mansion in Beverly Park, a gated area in Beverly Hills, previously owned by Roseanne Barr.
Q. What do Samuel L. Jackson’s friends call him?
A. Jackson: My friends often call me Big Jack. Jackson keeps a calm and collected demeanor in the film “Pulp Fiction.”
Q. What challenges did Samuel L. Jackson face?
A. Struggling with Addiction Jackson, like many people, became trapped in substance abuse and faced the tough challenges of addiction. His talent and early acting success couldn’t stop addiction from overwhelming his life and putting his career at risk.
