As reported earlier this year, Nick Fury is part of the Marvel/Paramount Pictures deal in which Paramount will distribute a slate of feature films to be produced by Marvel. Marvel obtained a financing from Merrill Lynch for a $525 million over seven years to permit Marvel to fund its film slate. A writer or director has not been named as of yet, but the rumor mill has already begun kicking as far as which actor will be playing Fury.
According to IGN, Marvel is looking to make the big-screen Nick Fury more along the lines of The Ultimates version than the traditional character. This is also in keeping with the portrayal of Fury in the upcoming direct-to-DVD animated release of Ultimate Avengers.
Contrary to rumors that Samuel Jackson had nearly snagged the role, the site says the actor actually being eyed thus far is "I, Robot" and "Hitch" star Will Smith.
Apparently Smith's reps at CAA said this was news to them and his publicist advised that
"Will is not involved in this project in any way, shape or form." However, reports say Marvel's camp proved evasive when contacted for confirmation, denial or comment.
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