Another veteran actor from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is expected to reprise his role in Avengers: Doomsday, seeking redemption after his character’s lackluster portrayals in two recent entries. Marvel Studios has officially announced the first group of 27 cast members for Avengers: Doomsday, showcasing a mix of beloved characters, yet leaving many fan-favorites unaccounted for. Among these, Samuel L. Jackson’s Nick Fury remains a key figure with a history in the franchise that dates back to its inception.
Jackson debuted as Nick Fury in a post-credits scene of the groundbreaking Iron Man in 2008, and since then, he has graced the screen 12 more times over the 17 years that followed. Introduced as the Director of SHIELD, Fury played pivotal roles, such as assembling the first Avengers team and combating threats from HYDRA alongside Captain America. His journey continued as he aided Carol Danvers in Captain Marvel, cementing his relevance within the MCU’s intricate narrative. However, the recent portrayals of Fury have not resonated well with audiences, highlighting the urgent need for a compelling return in Avengers: Doomsday.
Failures of Samuel L. Jackson’s Nick Fury in MCU’s Phase 5
Disappointing Appearances: Secret Invasion & The Marvels
Nick Fury has been a cornerstone character since the beginning of the MCU, appearing not only in the main continuity but also in various alternate realities depicted in animated features like What If…?. Regrettably, Samuel L. Jackson’s recent projects, notably Secret Invasion and The Marvels, fell short of expectations. The 2023 series Secret Invasion marked Fury’s first solo venture, yet it is considered one of the franchise’s lowest-rated installments due to its flawed narrative, pacing issues, and underdeveloped characters. This lackluster trend continued with The Marvels.
| MCU Project | Year | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Iron Man | 2008 | Post-Credits Cameo |
| Iron Man 2 | 2010 | Supporting Cast |
| Thor | 2011 | Post-Credits Cameo |
| Captain America: The First Avenger | 2011 | Cameo |
| The Avengers | 2012 | Supporting Cast |
| Captain America: The Winter Soldier | 2014 | Supporting Cast |
| Avengers: Age of Ultron | 2015 | Cameo |
| Avengers: Infinity War | 2018 | Post-Credits Cameo |
| Captain Marvel | 2019 | Main Cast |
| Avengers: Endgame | 2019 | Cameo |
| Spider-Man: Far From Home | 2019 | Supporting Cast as Skrull |
| Secret Invasion | 2023 | Lead |
| The Marvels | 2023 | Supporting Cast |
The Marvels was initially anticipated to explore Fury’s evolution into a more dynamic and proactive character. However, while Secret Invasion set the stage for significant developments in his journey, The Marvels largely disregarded these advancements. This oversight represents a missed opportunity to showcase Samuel L. Jackson’s Nick Fury as a powerful figure within the MCU during Phase 5, highlighting the potential for a revitalized narrative in Avengers: Doomsday.
Avengers: Doomsday: A Platform for Nick Fury’s Return
Will Samuel L. Jackson Return for Avengers: Doomsday?
The uncertain trajectory of Nick Fury following Secret Invasion and The Marvels leaves fans speculating about his future in the MCU. The conclusion of The Marvels saw Fury return to the SABER Space Station, hinting at a period of introspection after the loss of Monica Rambeau. However, it seems plausible that his experiences might embolden him to re-engage with terrestrial matters. Given the recent disappointments surrounding Fury’s character, a return in Avengers: Doomsday could offer a chance for significant redemption, whether on Earth or within the SABER framework.
Fury has been instrumental since the foundation of the Avengers; thus, witnessing his comeback alongside iconic heroes in forthcoming crossover events would be highly gratifying for fans. Additionally, the prospect of his confrontation with Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom—who previously portrayed Fury’s ally Tony Stark—adds an intriguing layer. Downey Jr.’s entry as one of Marvel’s most formidable villains invites the return of other legacy characters, and Samuel L. Jackson should undeniably be at the forefront.
The Emotional Journey of Nick Fury in Avengers: Doomsday & Beyond
A Farewell for Nick Fury in MCU’s Phase 6?
While Avengers: Doomsday and its subsequent sequel, Avengers: Secret Wars, present a prime opportunity for Nick Fury’s resurgence post-Phase 5 setbacks, they may also mark a poignant farewell for the character. By the launch of Secret Wars, Samuel L. Jackson will have been part of the MCU for nearly two decades. As speculation around a soft reboot of the MCU looms, the door remains open for new actors to take on similar roles in future phases. This could mean that the Multiverse Saga serves as Fury’s concluding chapter, amplifying the significance of his return.
It would be disheartening for the veteran actor’s last major appearances to be overshadowed by the inadequacies of Secret Invasion and The Marvels. Hence, the inclusion of Nick Fury in Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars offers a chance to reinvigorate his character, possibly culminating in an emotional farewell. There are numerous possibilities, be it the Watchers elevating him to the Unseen or a sacrificial confrontation against Doctor Doom, reinforcing the narrative weight of Jackson’s role. His anticipated return as Nick Fury in Avengers: Doomsday is crucial, representing not just a character arc but a heritage of storytelling within the MCU.