SAMUEL L JACKSON - SAMUEL L JACKSON TO UNLEASH FURY IN IRON MAN 2

SAMUEL L JACKSON TO UNLEASH FURY IN IRON MAN 2

Samuel L Jackson has joined the growing cast of superhero sequel Iron Man 2 as spy Nick Fury, it has been confirmed.

The Pulp Fiction star made a cameo as former war hero Fury in the closing credits of 2008 blockbuster Iron Man but contract talks with Marvel Entertainment had stalled over the actor's reputed unhappiness with the studio's salary offer to reprise the role.

But after the two parties reached an agreement, Jackson has signed up for a long-term commitment to play Fury, the leader of the SHIELD espionage agency, in Iron Man 2, due for release in May, 2010.

However, Jackson's contract includes more than just a commitment to star alongside Robert Downey Jr, according to Variety - the 60-year-old could also play Nick Fury in as many as nine Marvel films, including Captain America, Kenneth Branagh's upcoming Thor, a SHIELD film and 2011's planned The Avengers, which could feature Iron Man, War Machine and The Hulk.

The cast for Iron Man 2, due to begin filming later this year, has assembled quickly since its predecessor's huge box office success.

Downey Jr returns as Tony Stark (Iron Man) with Don Cheadle replacing Terrence Howard as Colonel James Rhodes (War Machine) and Gwyneth Paltrow back as Pepper Potts.

New cast members are to include Oscar nominee Mickey Rourke - believed to be playing either Crimson Dynamo or Whiplash, both villains - Sam Rockwell as Justin Hammer and Emily Blunt as Black Widow, though her role in Gulliver's Travels may cause a scheduling clash.