Samuel L. Jackson’s Nick Fury Role Yielded $12.8 Billion at Box Office

LOS ANGELES, March 22, 2025 — Samuel L. Jackson has revealed that his portrayal of Nick Fury in the Marvel Cinematic Universe has grossed approximately $12.8 billion across a dozen films since its inception with 2008’s

“Iron Man.” Jackson’s role as the eyepatch-wearing leader of S.H.I.E.L.D. has become not only a staple in the franchise but also a significant part of his 15-year career as a mainstream actor.

In a recent interview celebrating Bruce Willis‘ 70th birthday, Jackson shared that it was Willis who gave him transformative career advice while they filmed

“Die Hard with a Vengeance” in 1994. Jackson recalled, “He told me, ‘Hopefully you’ll be able to find a character that, when you make bad movies that don’t make any money, you can always go back to this character everybody loves.'”

Willis reflected on his own success with the John McClane character, comparing it to how Jackson might find his own iconic role.

Jackson noted it took him another 14 years to discover that role, saying, “It didn’t occur to me until I got that Nick Fury role—and I had a nine-picture deal to be Nick Fury—that, Oh, I’m doing what Bruce said. I’ve got this character now.”

Jackson’s journey in the Marvel Universe began with a cameo in

“Iron Man” and expanded through films such as “The Avengers,” “Captain America: The First Avenger,” and most recently, “The Marvels.” His original nine-picture deal has made him one of the prominent figures in blockbusters, underscoring his departure from seeking awards in favor of engaging with beloved characters.

In 2022, Jackson stated in an interview with the

Los Angeles Times, “I was never going to let the Oscars be a measure of my success or failure as an actor. My yardstick of success is my happiness… If you do this movie, you’ll win an Oscar. No, thanks. I’d rather be Nick Fury. Or having fun being Mace Windu with a lightsaber in my hand.”

Moreover, Jackson’s early enthusiasm about joining the Marvel franchise was palpable. Upon receiving the nine-movie offer, he humorously recalled, “How long do you have to stay alive to make nine movies? It’s not the quickest process in the world. I didn’t know they were going to make nine movies in like two and a half years. That’s kind of crazy!”

Jackson’s persistence in character-based filmmaking has kept him in the limelight, contrasting against an industry often enamored with awards. Meanwhile, Bruce Willis, who co-starred with Jackson in both ‘Die Hard’ and ‘Unbreakable,’ has faced health challenges. He retired from acting in 2022 due to aphasia, subsequently diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia.