When Samuel L. Jackson Signed His Nine-Picture Deal With Marvel He Wondered If He Would Live to See the End of It

Since his debut as Nick Fury in 2008’s Iron Man, Samuel L. Jackson has been a constant presence in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

In the intervening 16 years, Fury has done everything from assembling the Avengers to befriending Captain Marvel and stopping the Skrull invasion.

Photo: CinemaBlend

Looking back on his Marvel run, Jackson is amazed that he made it this long.

“How Long Do You Have to Stay Alive to Make Nine Movies”

In a recent interview with GQ, the Hollywood legend revealed that he initially signed a nine-picture deal with Marvel Studios.

Photo: Marvel

“I knew I had a nine-picture deal,” Jackson said. “Kevin [Feige] said, ‘ 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.”

Little did Jackson know that Marvel could pump out its series of inter-connected films at a historic rate.

Photo: Marvel

“I didn’t know they were going to make nine movies in like two and a half years. That’s kind of crazy!… I’m using up my contracts. It worked out.”

Will Nick Fury Return?

While it is currently unclear what the future holds for Nick Fury, it seems unlikely that Jackson’s time in the MCU has come to an end.

Earlier this year, the actor told the Los Angeles Times that he still loves playing the super spy.

Source: Marvel Studios

“I was never going to let the Oscars be a measure of my success or failure as an actor. My yardstick of success is my happiness: Am I satisfied with what I’m doing? I’m not doing statue-chasing movies. You know: ‘If you do this movie, you’ll win an Oscar.’ No, thanks. I’d rather be Nick Fury. Or having fun being Mace Windu with a lightsaber in my hand.”

Samuel L. Jackson, Ryan Fleck, Brie Larson, and Anna Boden in Captain Marvel (2019). Photo: Image #6985191 on Favim.com

With the Marvel multiverse set to come together for Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars, Fury should have ample opportunity to return.