Samuel L. Jackson’s Nick Fury character surpasses Captain America’s MCU record.

In an unprecedented achievement, Samuel L. Jackson‘s role as Nick Fury in the MCU has eclipsed the former record held by Chris Evans’ Captain America. By starring in the latest MCU film, The Marvels, Jackson now boasts appearances in 12 MCU movies, edging out Evans’ 11-film record.

Jackson’s journey as Nick Fury began in 2008 with Iron Man, marking the inception of the MCU. Evolving over several years, he shifted from a senior espionage agent and former head of SHIELD to a key figure in the MCU’s unfolding story. Fury’s influence extended to assembling the original Avengers team in 2012 and reuniting them in 2015.

He played a key role in Captain Marvel, set in 1995, where he aided the titular character in rediscovering her identity, and later dealt with a Skrull rebellion in 2025. This extensive timeline solidifies Fury’s character as one of the most developed and integral in the MCU narrative.

The creation of Nick Fury’s character in the MCU has an interesting backstory. In 2002, Marvel Comics fashioned the Ultimate Marvel universe version of Nick Fury based on Jackson himself. This unique choice likely played a significant role in persuading Jackson to join the MCU for a cameo in Iron Man, a role that evolved into his longest-lasting acting stint.

His consistent presence in the MCU, even as other iconic actors like Robert Downey Jr. and Evans have stepped away, underscores the enduring appeal and importance of Jackson’s portrayal.

Nearly every MCU hero has encountered him, as he’s appeared in all Avengers releases and other Marvel sagas, including those of Iron Man and Captain America. This extensive network of interactions emphasizes Fury’s role as a unifying figure within the MCU.

Additionally, Jackson’s role in the 2023 Disney+ series Secret Invasion further cements his character’s significance, although this series does not count towards his MCU movie record and was not received as well as some of his other appearances.