Key Takeaways:
– Samuel L. Jackson expressed initial shock at a nine-picture deal with Marvel Studios.
– The actor’s tenure as Nick Fury ended with Captain Marvel, but he returned for more films.
– Jackson stated that he values personal satisfaction over winning awards.
– Even though he wasn’t chasing the Oscar, Jackson enjoyed the privileges of being a presenter.
At the end of Iron Man, Samuel L. Jackson popped out as Nick Fury, hinting for the first time that the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) was about to take moviegoers on a thrilling ride. This surprise appearance marked the beginning of an exciting journey for Jackson, but as he later confessed, it wasn’t without its eyebrow-raising moments.
Marvel’s Unexpected Move
When Jackson first joined the MCU, his contract included a whopping nine-picture deal. Sharing this revelation with GQ, Jackson himself admitted to the surprise he felt. Remember, we’re talking about shooting nine huge blockbusters – it’s a daunting commitment! The actor laughed as he recalled worrying whether he would live long enough to see all of them made.
The Journey of Nine Movies
In a fun twist, that nine-movie pact ended up being fulfilled in just two and a half years. Remember, we’re talking about major cinematic productions here — the speed of their completion was nothing short of breathtaking. The Marvel machinery worked tirelessly to deliver nine films starring Jackson in a remarkably short span.
Beyond the Initial Plan
Although Jackson’s initial contract ended with Captain Marvel, he remained firmly in the Marvel camp. The actor went on to feature in other blockbuster Marvel films such as Avengers: Endgame, Spider-Man: Far From Home, and The Marvels. He even headlined the Disney+ series, Secret Invasion.
Happiness Over Awards
In a candid interaction with The LA Times in 2022, Jackson emphasized that he prefers to do what brings him joy rather than chase awards. The veteran actor expressed his contentment with his roles, mentioning his enjoyment playing characters like Nick Fury and Mace Windu over trophy-hunting films. Denying the common perception that an Oscar win defines an actor’s success, Jackson clarified that his measure of achievement is his own happiness and satisfaction.
The Oscar Saga
Despite not winning an Oscar, Jackson holds no bitterness about it. He confessed to feeling a bit disappointed initially but admitted he overcame such feelings long ago. Moreover, the actor finds pleasure in attending the award function and even joked about looking forward to the gift baskets given to presenters.
In total, the path of Samuel L. Jackson through the Marvel Cinematic Universe is one of shock, quick pacing, and immense satisfaction. It may have started as an eyebrow-raising contract, but it ended with joy, satisfaction, and a lasting legacy in the fast-paced world of superheroes.