Big development: Samuel L. Jackson has signed a NINE picture deal with Marvel Studios:
The actor, who just weeks ago was seemingly on the outs with the studio over reprising his role as Nick Fury, agent of spy outfit S.H.I.E.L.D., in the "Iron Man" sequel, has signed an unprecedented nine-picture deal to play the character in a series of Marvel movies.In addition to "Iron Man 2," scheduled for release next year, the movies include "Thor," "Captain America," "The Avengers" and its sequels. Also on the table is the possibility of starring in a "S.H.I.E.L.D." movie, which is in development.
Jackson made a surprise appearance as Fury at the end of the first "Iron Man," throwing geeks into a tizzy and showing the first glimpse of Marvel's plan to link all their slate of movies into one filmic universe.
Jackson and Fury were expected to be part of the sequel, but as Marvel negotiated with its cast, deals proved hard to come by. Terrence Howard was replaced by Don Cheadle. Mickey Rourke still doesn't have a deal for the part of a villain despite almost two months of negotiations.
This is huge. I was worried that Jackson was going to bow out. I think Rourke was holding out to see if he got the Oscar for Best Actor; now that he lost it to Sean Penn, maybe he'll be willing to deal.
I LOVE Samuel L. Jackson. We couldn't wait for "Snakes on a Plane". I seriously think he is the only actor in the world who could have pulled that role off.
Posted by: Shirley at February 26, 2009 06:06 PM