Among the Avengers, Nick Fury (Director of S.H.I.E.L.D.), played by Samuel L. Jackson, is undoubtedly one of the most popular heroes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Despite being so beloved, we've seen little of him in recent years. Following the events of the Infinity Saga, he seemed to remain off-Earth, making only brief appearances in Secret Invasion and Captain Marvel.
In fact, Captain Marvel and Secret Invasion were the last times we saw Fury, and many fans hope he will return in Avengers: Doomsday. However, Jackson's name does not appear in the cast list for the upcoming film, leading fans to speculate about when he might appear again. Now, we finally have an answer.
In an interview with The Direct, Jackson revealed that Nick Fury will return, but not in Avengers: Doomsday. Instead, Fury's return will happen in "the next movie... the next movie." That movie is Avengers: Secret Wars.
Jackson "Has No Idea" About the Plot of Avengers: Secret Wars (But He May Play a Major Role)
When asked if he could reveal any information about Avengers: Secret Wars, Jackson remained quite reserved, stating he "knows nothing. [Marvel] hasn't told me anything except 'You won't be in this movie, but you will be in the next one.'"
While this doesn't reveal any plot details, it doesn't mean Nick Fury won't play a significant role in the film. We already know that Avengers: Secret Wars is expected to introduce many key characters from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with rumors suggesting the story will revolve around a realm known as "Battleworld."
According to reports, after Avengers: Doomsday, the fragments left behind by the collapse of the multiverse will form "Battleworld," where surviving heroes must unite to fight against Doctor Doom. If this is indeed the case, Jackson's Nick Fury will play a crucial role in the film.
Nick Fury has not only been a pivotal figure in the early days of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but we also know that he has been off-Earth during the Multiverse Saga. This gives him a unique perspective and experience that could come in handy when confronting the greatest threat the heroes have ever faced. After all, Fury was the one who originally assembled the Avengers. If he once saved the world by building a team of superheroes, who's to say he can't do it again using the same skills?
Brie Larson's Captain Marvel has also not been confirmed to appear in Avengers: Doomsday. Given her relationship with Fury, it wouldn't be surprising if both Captain Marvel and Fury returned together. The two could form a "one-two punch" capable of turning the tide, helping the heroes fight against Doctor Doom. Simply put, she provides the raw power, while Fury handles the strategy.
For now, however, we'll have to wait for the release of Avengers: Doomsday to see what the film sets up for the Marvel Cinematic Universe and its heroes. The film is currently scheduled for release this December, while Avengers: Secret Wars is expected to follow a year later on December 17, 2027. Of course, this raises another issue: recent reports suggest that filming for Secret Wars has been delayed, meaning we may have to wait even longer to see Fury's return.