Last month it looked like Samuel L. Jackson’s chances of playing S.H.I.E.L.D. superspy Nick Fury in more Marvel movies following his brief cameo in Iron Man were quickly evaporating. But now comes news that the actor, whose likeness was used for the Ultimate Marvel incarnation of Fury, has signed a nine-picture deal.

This clears the way for the ubiquitous actor to reprise the role for Iron Man 2, The First Avenger: Captain America and The Avengers as well as assorted sequels and spinoffs.

It’s not surprising that the man who simply asked to be a Jedi Master and got his wish would be able to seal the deal. But it is undoubtedly a relief for fans, Marvel and Jackson.

Last summer, comic book fans shared a simultaneous nerdgasm when Samuel L. Jackson appeared briefly at the end of Iron Man as Marvel’s Nick Fury, superspy leader of S.H.I.E.L.D.

This led to the expectation that Jackson would reprise the role for Iron Man 2, The First Avenger: Captain America and The Avengers.

Now Jackson tells L.A. Times blogger Geoff Boucher:

“I don’t know. Maybe I won’t be Nick Fury. Maybe somebody else will be Nick Fury or maybe Nick Fury won’t be in it. There seems to be an economic crisis in the Marvel Comics world.”

It sounds like Jackson and director Jon Favreau are on the same page and ready to roll, but the people handling the negotiations aren’t seeing eye to eye. If this casting coup falls through it will be a huge blow to fans. A recent reinterpretation of the character for Ultimate Marvel was based on Jackson’s likeness, with his permission. Realizing that on the big screen is the natural next step.