No Jon, You Did Nothing Wrong

There was an article in Entertainment Weekly about Iron Man and future movie projects for Marvel Studios (Issue #991, May 16, 2008). In this well written article by Adam B. Vary and Clark Collins, there was a sidebar piece about Samuel L. Jackson's cameo as Nick Fury. According to the article, the Jackson inspired Fury is featured in an alternate Marvel universe series; it appeared to be a red flag for some hardcore comic fans. The question presented was how an alternate Nick Fury can talk to the actual Tony Stark from the original universe? To put it in simple terms - if done the right way it can be one of the best moves made by Marvel; turns out it was.

Jon Favreau, who directed the summer blockbuster and co-starred with Ben Affleck in Daredevil, said he didn't think of that. "Maybe we should have used David Hasselhoff.", he tells EW. If you saw the 1998 made for television movie starring the Baywatch star, then you know that Jackson was the much better choice because the movie wasn't all that great. It's safe to say the anticipation of seeing the scene after the credits wouldn't have generated the buzz Jackson did. Everyone loves Sam; to see he and Robert together is surely something to look forward to. If nothing else, those of us that have witnessed the now legendary scene are already planning to see the sequel in April 2010; Hasselhoff wouldn't make a convincing Fury by today's standards. He wasn't convincing period when played the part in '98.

If you followed both Marvel and DC comics, you know that their big screen adaptations on some occasion or three did not follow character portrayal to a tee. Here are a few examples:

In 1989, Warner Bros. released Tim Burton's Batman where Harvey Dent aka Two-Face was played by Billy Dee Williams. In the comic book series he's white. That brings you to 1995, Batman Returns is released and Tommy Lee Jones takes the role of the DA turned twisted villain. In this year's The Dark Knight, Aaron Eckhart plays the troubled Dent who was unable to control his dark side. As you can see, Harvey's gone through some changes.

In 2003's Daredevil, Michael Clarke Duncan of the upcoming summer film Kung Fo Panda is Hell's Kitchen mob boss Kingpin when it is clear that Wilson Fisk is also a white man like DC's Dent. Duncan cast as the Kingpin was a decision made by the studios; one factor being his physique matched that of the comic book character. Based on the rave reviews of his portrayal, this proves you don't have to be completely accurate.

If there was a movie, or in this particular case a series of movies, where universes were woven together, it is definitely X-Men; there are so many storylines from the comics that are seen in the films and some not referenced. Take for instance Rogue meeting Wolverine in Canada. In the comic book world she's Anna Marie; not Marie as told to Logan in the film. These characters didn't meet until after Rogue joined the Brotherhood of Mutants with Mystique taking Rogue in as her daughter. It's said that Mystique is also Nightcrawler's mother but you've seen it wasn't addressed.

Pyro's true origin is that his name is St. John Allerdyce as opposed to just John in X2 and X-Men: The Last Stand. Another difference between the comic; in the movies he's American. Pyro was originally part of the Brotherhood of Mutants and was part of the X-Men in the Ultimates universe.

This is to show that there is much room for imagination. Think of these and future comic book films in the way you look at comics. You'll notice that every writer, artist and inker has put their own spin on some of your favorite characters over the years. Some have even revamped characters from the past with stories that are taking them to another level.

Iron Man did just that with Sam's appearance as Fury, Favreau put his spin on the character. As a matter of fact, Sam's Fury is currently part of the original Marvel universe. In The Mighty Avengers: Secret Invasion #13, the Jackson inspired Fury is featured in the story with a twist of a detail. You'll have to get a copy at your local comic book store to see for yourself.

If that's not enough for you, look at how moviegoers were and still willing to stay after the credits just to get a glimpse of Sam and Robert working the scene together. There will always be people who aren't open-minded enough to accept such a move based on creativity. Fans and critics alike enjoy Sam's work on screen because even if his time in the film is minimal, he makes it work. Remember the final scene with George Clooney in Out of Sight? The point has been proven.

Jon has done a great job with the movie from beginning to end; it made over $100 million opening weekend for a reason.