Anna Daniels
Samuel L. Jackson’s Nick Fury has been an integral part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe ever since his first appearance in 2008’s Iron Man. Jackson only enjoyed a brief cameo in the movie’s post-credits scene, but he has appeared in every major crossover project since then. Although Jackson seems ready for another big run in the MCU, there are rumors that Marvel is replacing Fury’s S.H.I.E.L.D. with Abigail Brand’s S.W.O.R.D. in the near future.
Inside Fury’s Marvel contract
Jackson’s very first appearance in the MCU was in an Iron Man post-credits scene in which he informed Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) about the Avengers Initiative.
The actor went on to sign a deal with Marvel for 9 additional movies, a contract that raised quite a few eyebrows at the time. It also showed that the studio had big plans for Jackson’s character.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jA2zSXJSZE?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]
But instead of appearing in 9 films in the MCU, Jackson was actually a part of 11 movies, including Avengers: Endgame and Spider-Man: Far From Home. It is unclear when Jackson signed a new deal, but his contract was clearly extended into Phase 4 of the MCU.
Although Jackson will appear in more Marvel projects, there are some reports that his time in the MCU may be close to an end.
Is Marvel about to replace Nick Fury?
Fury’s S.H.I.E.L.D. has been an important part of the MCU for years, but it looks like the studio is getting ready to replace the group with a new initiative named S.W.O.R.D. The new organization will make its grand debut in the upcoming Disney+ show, WandaVision.
Marvel boss Kevin Feige reportedly wants to bring in some fresh faces after the events of Avengers: Endgame, and eventually replacing S.H.I.E.L.D. might be just the way to do that.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzBvHrX_LGU?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]
S.W.O.R.D. will reportedly replace S.H.I.E.L.D. in the MCU following the events in WandaVision. In the comics, Abigail Brand is the leader of the organization, which has sparked rumors that Fury is on his way out.
A source told We Got This Covered that even Jackson is worried about his future with Marvel. The insider claims that the actor has told Marvel executives that he wants to be a part of the MCU for as long as possible.
Marvel has not said commented about the rumors surrounding Jackson.
What is S.W.O.R.D.?
While Jackson’s future in the MCU remains uncertain, it is clear that S.W.O.R.D. is going take over for S.H.I.E.L.D.
S.W.O.R.D. operates very similarly to S.H.I.E.L.D. in the comics, though it has a much different function. Whereas S.H.I.E.L.D. concerned itself with things on Earth, S.W.O.R.D. deals with things that are of an extraterrestrial nature.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMLzoGZcFnM?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]
We do not know if Marvel will adapt the story directly from the comics, but it is possible that we have already seen elements of S.W.O.R.D. in action.
In the post-credits scene of Spider-Man: Far From Home, we learned that Fury was somewhere off-planet working with a secret project. Fans have speculated that whatever Fury is doing is related to S.W.O.R.D., something that could pave the way to keeping him in the MCU.
This is how Fury can remain in the MCU
With S.H.I.E.L.D. on the way out, Fury could stay in the MCU if he becomes the director of S.W.O.R.D. instead of Brand.
Making Fury the head of S.W.O.R.D. would be easier than introducing a new character and would extend Jackson’s contract at the same time.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTPh8IZOxHQ?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]
If that happens, then it is possible that Jackson will enjoy a cameo in WandaVision when S.W.O.R.D. is introduced. He would also likely play a part in Captain Marvel 2, especially considering his close ties to Carol Danvers (Brie Larson).
Black Widow is the next big release in Marvel Phase 4, and it is scheduled to hit theaters on November 6, 2020.
Written by: Cheat
