Samuel L. Jacksonhas played many iconic characters, but Nick Fury stands out, particularly because he has dedicated more time to this role than any other. Jackson became the ultimate Fury when a version of the character appearing in Marvel’s 2001 Ultimate Marvel imprint was based on his appearance and screen persona. When the Marvel Cinematic Universe was launched, Jackson was cast in the role, and it’s been a great ride so far.
Jackson has played Nick Fury in eleven movies and two TV shows (What If…?andSecret Invasion), lending his charm and authoritative aura to the character. Fans love Jackson’s Fury for various reasons, but he always impresses more when he is being funny, and it all comes very organically. Unlike Drax or Scott Lang, Jackson doesn’t deliberately try to be goofy. Comedic situations keep on finding him. And how he delivers his lines certainly helps.
10"Real Power" Won’t Shut Up
‘The Avengers’ (2012)
Loki and Nick Fury lob several retorts at each other shortly after the villain gets captured inAvengers. As Loki is inside his holding cell,he mocks Fury for relying on “lost creatures” to help him.He boasts that “real power” is wielded by gods like him, only for Fury to rubbish everything he has said with the line: “Lemme know if “real power” wants a magazine or something.”
The Ultimate “I don’t care!” Moment
Like the audience,Fury is amused by Loki bragging about being one of the most competent villains who ever lived, yet he is currently in captivity.At this point, there is no doubt as to who has the real power, so Loki’s ranting feels like gibberish. To silence him, Fury hilariously offers to give him something to read.
9Fury Calls Out Spider-Man for His Cowardice
‘Spider-Man: Far from Home’ (2019)
Following Tony Stark’s death, Nick Furytries to get Peter Parker to take on more challenging responsibilities like fighting the Elementals.Peter hesitates, arguing he is “just the friendly neighborhood Spider-Man.” Fury’s response: “B**ch please! You’ve been to space. “
With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility.
As much as we understand Peter’s desire to live a normal life,enjoying life as a teenager isn’t more important than saving the world. Peter deserves the brutal reminder of who he really is, ashe seems to have forgotten that power and responsibility are what Spider-Man is all about. Add this to one ofthe greatest improvised lines in moviessince it was nowhere in the script.
8An Incomplete “Motherf…”
‘Avengers: Infinity War’ (2018)
Samuel L. Jackson has earned a reputation for cursing. Nearly all ofhis notable moviescontain the word “Motherf****.”He never gets interrupted, except in the closing moments ofAvengers: Infinity War. As Fury’s body is disintegrating (thanks to the Thanos snap),he tries to say “Motherf***” but never completes the world.
Half a Curse
“Motherf****,” isn’t supposed to be a funny word, but Jackson has taught us thatit depends on the tone and timing. The actorknows how to drop the word at the most appropriate moments, highlighting his frustration or disappointment.And it turns out that not completing the world is more hilarious. Here, Fury is unhappy with what Thanos has done, but, for once, he never gets the chance to fully express himself.
7Fury Bonds with Goose
‘Captain Marvel’ (2019)
Fury becomes all mushy when he is introduced to the cat named Goose. “Aren’t you the cutest little thing? Aren’t you cute? What’s your name, huh?” He says absurd things while trying to bond with Goose, andfigures he now has a pet to channel his affection towards. It turns outGoose is a Flerken (a race of aliens that resemble Earth’s cats), and he ends up striking the blow that causes Fury to be blind in one eye.
Moments that Precede Unfortunate Events
For once,we get to see Fury’s rare soft side, only for misfortune to strike. No one ever thought the iconic character had that much warmth in him. It would be nice for him to get a proper pet. Sadly, that doesn’t happen on this occasion. As sad as Fury’s misfortune is, audiences will forever find it hard to forget how rib-tickling events had been before the scratch.
Samuel L. Jackson’s Most Underrated Performances, Ranked
Beyond Star Wars and the MCU, Samuel L. Jackson has an impressive track record of non-franchise films.
6Tranquilizing Ned
Life initially goes well for Peter Parker inFar From Home. He heads to Europe on a school trip, makes some strides in his relationship with MJ, has plenty of fun bro moments with his buddy, Ned, and ignores Nick Fury’s calls. But Fury isn’t the kind to be ignored, sohe shows up at his room to inform him about the threat of the Elementals. Before proceeding, he shoots Ned with a dart.
The Words are Too Big for Ned’s Ears
Given that he is not an Avenger,there are things Ned doesn’t need to know.In the scene, it almost feels like Peter is about to utter the cliché line: “Whatever you want to say to me, you can say in front of him.” After all, the two have one ofthe best friendships in the MCU. However, he never gets the chance, becauseFury immediately makes it a two-person conversation.Another person would have simply asked Ned to leave the room buttrust Fury to be dramatic.
5Threatening to Downgrade Coulson to a Winnebago
‘Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.’ (2013)
A rumored Nick Fury cameo inAgents of S.H.I.E.L.D.happened quicker than fans expected.In the show’s second episode, “0-8-4,” Fury appears in the dying minutes andscolds Agent Coulson for messing up the plane in just six days.He then threatens to downgrade him to a Winnebago.
Nick Furious
Obviously,a Winnebago wouldn’t be convenient for S.H.I.E.L.D. operations.It can only be ideal for Walter White and Jesse Pinkman. The fact that Fury mentions it proves just how much of a wisecracker he is.Even when he is angry, he still finds a way to construct his words in a way audiences love.
4Steely Tension at Randy’s Donuts
‘Iron Man 2’ (2010)
Iron Man 2isn’t one ofMCU’s best films, but it has its moments. One such scene starts with Tony Stark at Randy’s Donuts. Instead of getting a seat inside,he relaxes on the iconic pastry display on top of the bakery as he enjoys his meal. Shortly after, a bemused Fury shows up and requests him to “exit the donut!”
Fury Wins When the Family Feuds
The entire scene is playfully silly. It makes no sense for Tony to sit on top of the bakery, andFury figures he has either lost his mind, or he is begging for attention. Either of those things isn’t good. Tony eventually exits the donut and the two go on to have a rather heated conversation inside the establishment, with Tony crying out, ‘What do you want from me? (Like Tyrese), and Fury reminding him that, “Contrary to your belief, you are not the center of my universe.”
3Roasting the God of Thunder
Thor hits a nerve when hesuggests that humans aren’t as evolved as he thought and thattheir decisions baffle him. Well, Fury smirks and wonders how the Asgardian has the nerve to say such a thing. He begins roasting him, reminding him that humans never go to other planets and blow things up.
Thor Should Have Thought His Comments Through
It’s hard to pity Thor here. He brought it on himself.The Asgardian should have known better than to say something negative about humans when in Fury’s presence.In fact, it’s generally unwise to make an insensitive remark in front of your boss. Thankfully, Fury isn’t the kind of leader who delivers excessive punishment. He simply throws shady burns your way.
Samuel L. Jackson’s Funniest Films, Ranked
Some of the greatest films of Samuel L. Jackson’s career also go down among his absolute funniest. These are the ten most hilarious, ranked.
2Fury Ignores the Council’s Decision
Following the invasion of the Chitauri,the World Security Council concludes that the war against the aliens is unwinnable. The members thus agree to conduct a nuclear strike on the portal, something Nick Fury feels is reckless.”I recognize the council has made a decision, but given that it’s a stupid-a** decision, I’ve elected to ignore it,” he says.
Fury Does Things His Way
“Elected to ignore it” is a badass response, and one needs to watch this scene to learn how not to speak to your bosses. In the MCU, the World Security Council functions as oversight for S.H.I.E.L.D., yetFury ignores the opinion as if it came from a toddler. Nonetheless, he is right. Eventually, the Avengers take care of business just like he believed they would.
1Removing His Eye Patch
‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier’ (2014)
InCaptain America: Winter Soldier, Secretary Alexander Goodwin Pierce conspires to use Project Insight to give HYDRA absolute control over Earth. When Nick Fury realizes the man has wiped his security clearance from the system, hepulls a surprise by telling off his eye patchbefore warning him, “If you want to stay ahead of me, Mr. Secretary … you need to keep both eyes open.
The dramatic pause before Fury finishes his threat does the trickin this tense exchange. Because he only has one eye, the quote is guaranteed to trigger some chuckles. It’s also the first time live-action fans get to see Fury without the eye patch and his choice to make fun of himself leaves audiences with no other choice but to share in the comedy with him.
