Nick Fury no more? Samuel L. Jackson says 'Maybe I won't be Nick Fury'



Samuel L. Jackson, clearly bristling, said today that negotiations to put him in the role of Nick Fury have broken down because "there seems to be an economic crisis in the Marvel Comics world."

Jackson told me today that despite his cameo as the hard-bitten military man at the end of "Iron Man," it now appears that "somebody else will be Nick Fury or maybe Nick Fury won't be in it" when it comes to "Iron Man 2," "The First Avenger: Captain America" and "The Avengers," the announced slate of Marvel Studios projects through 2011 that might have a natural spot for the character.

Jackson, who is a fanboy favorite after roles in three "Star Wars" films, "The Incredibles" and "Unbreakable," was actually used as the model for the Ultimate Marvel version of Fury, which took the white, grizzled, aging commando with salt-and-pepper hair and re-imagined him as a younger, bald African American. There were cheers in theaters at the end of "Iron Man," when Jackson appeared as Fury, but when I asked the actor about it today he shook his head.

"I saw ['Iron Man' and 'Iron Man 2' director] Jon Favreau at the Scream Awards and we had a conversation. He said, 'I hope things are working out for you because we're writing stuff for you.' Then all of a sudden last week I talked to my agents and manager and things aren't really working that well."

Jackson might just have been taking a public position that could lead to a bigger payday (it certainly wouldn't be the first time a Hollywood star used an interview as a negotiating tactic) but he seemed especially sour on the whole the topic of working with Marvel ...



"There was a huge kind of negotiation that broke down. I don't know. Maybe I won't be Nick Fury. Maybe somebody else will be Nick Fury or maybe Nick Fury won't be in it. There seems to be an economic crisis in the Marvel Comics world so [they're saying to me], 'We're not making that deal.'"

I called Marvel Comics and they gave me a statement that suggested that they still want to see Jackson wearing the eyepatch. "Marvel does not comment on active negotiations," was the boilerplate repsonse, but there was that emphasis on the word "active" in the voice of the spokesman who phoned me back. 

Marvel Studios only has two films under its belt, "Iron Man" (which finished as the second-highest grossing film of 2008) and "The Incredible Hulk" but executives with the Hollywood upstart have high hopes for creating a new model of unified, character-crossover films that would mirror the spirit of the Marvel Comics in the 1960s, when heroes and villains collided constantly in the various comics titles and firmed up the concept of "the Marvel Universe." One challenge to that will be keeping a good number of movie stars happy with the roles and their paychecks.

Terrence Howard, who by some reports was the first actor signed to "Iron Man" and the highest-paid actor in the cast, won't be back for the sequel (Don Cheadle is taking his place as the key supporting character Rhodey and his alter ego War Machine) money may have been part of the issue as Marvel execs have to weigh each film's budget with the calculating eye of pro-sports teams who want marquee players but have to fit them into a salary cap. A publicly traded company, Marvel has a publicly stated goal of keeping shareholders happy with a rigid allegiance to the bottom line.

Marvel's stock has held up far better than shares of most of its larger rivals over the last year. Helped by the lift from "Iron Man" in spring, Marvel Entertainment shares actually rose for the year, gaining 15% to close 2008 at $30.75. That was an amazing feat, considering that more than 90% of all U.S. stocks fell last year. By contrast, Walt Disney shares slid 30% in 2008, Viacom Inc. plunged 57% and Time Warner fell 39%.  So far this year, Marvel is down 5.5%, Disney is down 6.6%, Viacom is off 8.1% and Time Warner is down 2.5%.

Think of the challenge to Marvel to put its crossover dream on the screen: For "The Avengers," that means putting Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man, Edward Norton as Hulk, Cheadle, whoever plays Thor and whoever plays Captain America all in the same movie. How much room (and money) would be left for a supporting character like Jackson as Fury? Still, like I told the actor, he has a big advantage on his side: Who else wants to wear that patch, especially since the character is based on Jackson?  Jackson laughed. "Maybe nobody will wear it. Maybe they'll decide Nick Fury won't be part of it."

Emily Blunt rumored for 'Iron Man 2'
Jon Favreau searching for his Black Widow



With Mickey Rourke and Sam Rockwell negotiating to play key villains in "Iron Man 2," Marvel Entertainment and director Jon Favreau are now looking for the right thesp to play femme fatale Black Widow, another nemesis for Robert Downey Jr.'s Tony Stark.

Emily Blunt has emerged as the frontrunner to play Natasha Romanoff in the "Iron Man" sequel. She's a Soviet superspy who doubles as Black Widow, a beauty in a skintight black costume enhanced by high-tech weaponry.

Blunt, whose credits include "The Devil Wears Prada," "The Jane Austen Book Club" and "Charlie Wilson's War," will get a profile boost when she stars with Benicio Del Toro in the Joe Johnston-directed "The Wolf Man" for Universal.

Marvel would not comment on the Black Widow casting. The Justin Theroux-scripted "Iron Man 2" will begin production in the spring for release by Paramount in summer 2010.

EXCLUSIVE: Sam Rockwell Confirms ‘Iron Man 2′ Role, Almost Played Tony Stark



Earlier this month, we brought you word that Sam Rockwell and Mickey Rourke were in talks to appear in “Iron Man 2″ — possibly as the pair of villains Justin Hammer and the Crimson Dynamo. Now, Rockwell is ready to talk about his confirmed turn toward super-villainy and expressed excitement in an exclusive interview with MTV News.

According to Rockwell, “Iron Man” director Jon Favreau originally considered casting him for the role of Tony Stark in the first film, but he’s now on board to appear as Justin Hammer, a staunch corporate rival for Stark, in “Iron Man 2.”

“We had a phone conversation about it, and then I didn’t hear anything and that was it,” Rockwell told MTV of early conversations regarding the part that eventually went to Robert Downey Jr. One blockbuster film later, the phone conversation was accompanied by an offer to play Hammer, and Rockwell accepted.

“They were like, we don’t have a script but this is the deal and this is the character,” the actor told MTV.

Rockwell had plenty of reason to follow the events in Favreau’s film, even if he wasn’t cast the first time around.

“I was a fan of the movie,” he explained. “My girlfriend was in the first ‘Iron Man,’ Leslie Bibb.” (Bibb played reporter and Tony Stark’s quick fling Christine Everheart.)

Mixed signals flew around about Rockwell’s place in the new script when his involvement was first announced, but he acknowledged that he will be playing the part of straight-from-the-comics businessman and all-around bad guy Justin Hammer.

“Yeah, he’s a rival,” Rockwell nodded. “He takes over all the weapons stuff after Tony’s left.”

However, the “Choke” and “Frost/Nixon” actor shied when pressed for any more story details.

“I don’t know if he takes over Stark Industries,” he said. “I’m not really sure yet. He’s a money dude. That’s about all I can say.”

Asked if he would be excited to work with Golden Globe winning star of “The Wrestler” Mickey Rourke, Rockwell didn’t even need to think about it. “Yes,” he stated. “I never have met him. I’ve seen him a couple times.”

Though Rockwell stopped short of confirming Rourke’s casting.

“Is Mickey cast yet? I hope so,” he told MTV.

Predictions have Rourke stepping in to play either the Crimson Dynamo or Whiplash. And i all goes well, Rockwell expects to be on the “Iron Man 2″ set by spring.

“Mid-April maybe,” he estimates. “In L.A., I think.”

(For more on Sam Rockwell, check out yesterday’s interview with Rockwell about the films he’s bringing to Sundance this year.)

What do you think about Rockwell being cast in “Iron Man 2″? Are you anxious to see Mickey Rourke make an appearance too? Chime in with your thoughts on the next installment’s villain below in the comments section!

SEGA Announces Iron Man 2 Video Game; Will Probably Suck



SEGA announced today that they are developing a video game for Iron Man 2, full press release after the jump. Don’t get too excited… SEGA also developed the video game apatation for the first movie, and that was met with lackluster reviews, ranging from 30% to 50% on Game Rankings depending on game system.

SAN FRANCISCO & LONDON–SEGA® of America, Inc. and SEGA of Europe Ltd today announced a continuation of their existing partnership with Marvel Entertainment, Inc. to include Iron Man 2™, the video game. The multi-platform title is slated to come out in 2010 along with the Marvel Studios film of the same name, a sequel to the 2008 box office triumph distributed by Paramount Pictures.

“We are thrilled to build on the success of the Iron Man phenomenon and work with Marvel and Paramount on another epic project,” says Simon Jeffery, President of SEGA of America, Inc. “SEGA and Marvel are collaborating closely to ensure we deliver an authentic Iron Man experience.”

The game is currently in production at SEGA Studios San Francisco. SEGA has continued to refine its game engine so that players can expect an entirely new and enhanced gameplay experience. Stay tuned for more information about Iron Man 2, the video game.

EXCLUSIVE: Robert Downey Jr. Says Mickey Rourke Not Playing Crimson Dynamo In ‘Iron Man 2’

Of all the recent casting rumors surrounding “Iron Man 2,” it’s clear that the one story that has fanboys praying to the Marvel Gods to come true has to be the addition of Oscar-nominee Mickey Rourke to the already powerhouse cast, possibly playing the Soviet-era villain The Crimson Dynamo.

However, according to a recent exclusive sit-down with “Iron Man” star Robert Downey Jr. on the set of his upcoming film “Sherlock Holmes,” that casting speculation may have been a bit premature.

“That’s actually incorrect,” Downey told MTV News when asked if Rourke was being considered for the aforementioned Iron Man rogue. When pressed if, instead of Crimson Dynamo, Rourke was up for the role of Whiplash, another potential role bandied about on blogs these days, Downey had a more cryptic response.

“I can neither confirm nor deny that,” said Downey. “Or maybe it’s some semblance of both. Here, I can tell you everything about the story except I won’t give away the ending. The nerd stuff is top-drawer security.”

News of Rourke’s possible involvement with the follow-up to last summer’s mega-blockbuster has been one of the biggest stories to hit the ‘Tubes lately. After reports broke that the actor, who is currently going through a career renaissance of sorts, was being considered for “Iron Man 2″ (but has not officially signed on to the project as of yet), he went as far as saying that he’d bring “everything I can bring” to “Iron Man 2″ in a brief chat with MTV News.

Rourke’s comment was a high note for many “Iron Man” fans, given some of the recent reports of Samuel L. Jackson threatening to abandon his Nick Fury role, or previously announced Black Widow, Emily Blunt, possibly dropping out due to scheduling conflicts.

What do you think Downey means by these comments? Are there any other Iron Man villains that you think Rourke would be suited for? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments below.

Iron Man 2: Eliza Dushku Wants to Be The Black Widow



Eliza Dushku appeared on the Howard Stern Show on Sirius/XM Radio this morning to promote her new television show Dollhouse. Things got interesting when the topic of conversation went to Robert Downey Jr and Iron Man. Dushku explained that she would love to play The Black Widow in Iron Man 2.

“They’re doing Iron Man 2, and I’m so perfect for the Black Widow character, that they just need to get into it. They need to understand… I just learned Russian because I had to play a Russian girl in Dollhouse.”

I get the impression from the way she just brought it up that she’s already either put her name in for the part or possibly even auditioned for the role. Emily Blunt was awarded the role but 20th Century Fox has an option on the actress and the studio wants her to play the romantic lead in Gulliver’s Travels. Last we heard the two production schedules were conflicting and Blunt might be forced to give up the role. And if that happens, Marvel will need a new Black Widow. Eliza went to give a plea to the audience to convince Marvel Studios to give her a chance.

“Maybe we could all tell them. Lets get on a Black Widow Iron Man 2 campaign.”

If there isn’t an online petition, I’m sure one will be created any minute now. And later when Dushku was leaving the studio, she told Howard to “call Favreau” and put in a good word fr her. Thanks to /Film reader Christopher M for the tip.

'Iron Man 2': Scarlett Johansson to replace Emily Blunt as Black Widow?

Because Emily Blunt's commitment to Twentieth Century Fox and the studio's upcoming Gulliver's Travels movie may prohibit her from costarring in Iron Man 2, Marvel is in discussions with other actresses, most significantly Scarlett Johansson, to take her place, EW has learned exclusively. Marvel will not confirm, but sources around Hollywood say Johansson has indeed met with the filmmakers and is interested in taking the role of Russian superspy Natasha Romanoff, who doubles as Black Widow. Blunt's reps are still trying to make both projects work, but Gulliver's is further along, with a start date of April 15. Iron Man 2 still doesn't have a shooting script and a start date has not yet been determined.

Vulture Exclusive: Mickey Rourke’s Oscar Date Revealed! Also, He Might Not Do Iron Man 2?



With Mickey Rourke basically a lock to win Best Actor for his performance in The Wrestler, the only lingering mystery around this weekend's Oscar ceremony is who he'll bring as his date. So, when we ran into him at last night's Domenico Vacca show at Bryant Park (this is Rourke's first Fashion Week in thirteen years, if you can believe it), we asked him to spoil that surprise, too. Since it won't be his Chihuahua, who will accompany Rourke to the Kodak Theatre on Sunday? "Unfortunately, my agent," he told us in defeat.

But so what if ICM's David Unger doesn't look good in a dress — at least he's battling Marvel for a bigger paycheck for Rourke for his rumored role as a villain in Iron Man 2, right? "Right now, we're not doing Iron Man 2," Rourke told us grimly.

He did have some good news, though. Following the widespread disappointment over his canceled appearance at the upcoming WrestleMania 25, Rourke told us he'll still be there, just not in the ring: "We're gonna go in support. Vince McMahon, Roddy Piper, and Rick Flair have been such a part of the movie ... So whatever support I can give back to all those people from WWE, I'm gonna do that."

We only had time for one last question, so we asked who torpedoed Rourke's plans to actually wrestle at WrestleMania, him or his publicist? Since his flack answered for him ("We don't need to talk about that"), and then pulled him away, we're going to assume that it wasn't Rourke.

Mickey Rourke may still be in 'Iron Man 2' (and other macho movie news)

When it comes to Mickey Rourke, it looks like you can't always take what he says at face value. Yesterday, New York Magazine reported that in a conversation at New York's Fashion Week, Rourke explained that he is no longer doing Iron Man 2. But it turns out that's not necessarily the case. The Oscar-nominated star of The Wrestler, who starts his gig on Sylvester Stallone's testosterone-fueled The Expendables in two weeks, could still play a Russian baddie in the Iron Man sequel, as sources tell EW that the offer still stands, though nothing's yet being negotiated.

In other Expendables news, EW has learned that Ben Kingsley will not be part of the actioner, but Eric Roberts will. Whether the two have swapped parts remains unclear. Finally, the rumor that Arnold Schwarzenegger is joining the movie seems to be false -- though one source says, "You never know."

Iron Man 2 - New Casting Call

Iron Man 2 - New Casting Call

[HOT BRUNETTE] Beautiful, sexy and authoritative. Please submit Caucasian actresses ages 25 - 28.

[MONGOLIAN GANGSTER] Various ages.

[FRENCH WAITER] Male, 30's. Must have authentic Monaco accent.

[RUSSIAN GUARDS] Various ages. Must speak fluent Russian.

[MALE] late 40's - mid 50's. Handsome, intelligent and dynamic. Please submit Caucasian actors.

[TECHNICIANS] Smart, capable, 20's. Please submit all ethnicities.

Jackson's Fury in flurry of Marvel films
Nine-pic deal includes 'Iron Man 2,' 'Thor,' more



Samuel L. Jackson is Marvel's man.

The actor, who just weeks ago was seemingly on the outs with the studio over reprising his role as Nick Fury, agent of spy outfit S.H.I.E.L.D., has signed an unprecedented nine-picture deal to play the character in a series of Marvel movies.

The movies include "Iron Man 2," "Thor," "Captain America," "The Avengers" and its sequels.

Also on the table is the possibility of toplining a "S.H.I.E.L.D." movie, which is in development.

The actor, repped by ICM and Anonymous Content, made a surprise appearance as Fury at the end of the first "Iron Man," throwing geeks into a tizzy and showing the first glimpse of Marvel's plan to link all their slate of movies into one filmic universe.

Jackson and Fury were expected to be part of the sequel, but as Marvel negotiated with its cast, deals proved hard to come by. Terrence Howard was replaced by Don Cheadle. Mickey Rourke still doesn't have a deal for the part of a villain despite almost two months of negotiations.

UPDATE: Mickey Rourke Officially in Iron Man 2

After a lot of back and forth, Deadline Hollywood Daily has confirmed today that Mickey Rourke has officially signed on to play a villain in Iron Man 2:

I just heard that ICM has scored its second casting deal for Marvel's Iron Man 2. After at first being low-balled by the studio to the tune of $250K, Rourke has signed on for the role of the Russian villain in the sequel after his agent David Unger got the quote up to a "significant" level despite this punishing economic climate where the studios are taking advantage of talent. (No wonder Mickey kept thanking Unger so profusely in acceptance speeches for the BAFTA, Golden Globes, Spirit, and other awards.) But don't expect Marvel to confirm any of this: they won't until all the i's are dotted and t's crossed on the contracts. I can also tell you that Sony was considering hiring Mickey to play the villain in Spider-Man 4.

Favreau: Iron Man 2 Good to Go
Director Jon Favreau says rehearsals are currently under way for Iron Man 2, with filming set to begin in three weeks. The actor-filmmaker made the announcement while doing red carpet interviews last night at the premiere of his new release I Love You, Man.

IESB points out Favreau's chat with Entertainment Tonight where the director said, "Our main cast is all lined up, everbody's deals are signed. Marvel's about to make some announcements and I think everybody is going to be happy when they hear who we got, and we're just working really hard to get this movie ready for next summer."

Favreau all but confirmed that Mickey Rourke and Scarlett Johansson have been cast. "Well, I hear Mickey's been in Russia doing research for a role. I can confirm that. We haven't made any official announcements yet. But I will say there is a Russian villain in our film." Further confirmation comes in the form of a new photo of Rourke in a jail cell posted by Defamer, with a caption stating that "Mickey Rourke was locked up in a Moscow prison for three hours as he prepared for his role playing a Russian villain in the Iron Man sequel."

Favreau said of Johansson's possible casting as the femme fatale Black Widow, "Scarlett is somebody I've been wanting to work with for a while. She's a great actor. We've been talking for a while and we haven't announced anything yet but I'll tell you she hadn't screen tested or anything but I met with her and hopefully we'll be getting everything settled so we can make some announcements this week."

And Marvel confirm doing the Avenger..where the hulk, spiderman Thor and ironman will be in...also captain america...But still a long way to go.