Okay, But Why Did Marvel Straight Up Ignore Everyone's Favorite Character in Black Panther Movies?

Played by the one and only Samuel L. Jackson, Nick Fury has been an integral part of the MCU since it began in 2008, first appearing in a post-credits scene of Iron Man.

Since then, the character has had a long journey, full of alien invasions, betrayals, and even being wiped from the universe by Thanos' snap.

But for some reason, he's never appeared in two MCU movies where he would have fit in perfectly.

When Black Panther was released in 2018, it was about Wakanda coming out of isolation and becoming a major player in world politics, but the omniscient former director of S.H.I.E.L.D. never participated.

Nor did he in the film's sequel, Wakanda Forever, when a whole new nation of enhanced humans living underwater became known to the world when they, led by Namor, began attacking those seeking Vibranium.

Instead of him, the role of "outside influence" in both films was played by Everett Ross, portrayed by Martin Freeman, and while he was a good character, it seemed rather strange that Fury chose to ignore such big events.

Apparently, Samuel L. Jackson is also in the dark, as he said in a recent interview with Entertainment Tonight that he's "still trying to figure out why he's never been to Wakanda."

Fans believe the most obvious reason is that the former director of S.H.I.E.L.D. would have been unwelcome in a country that has done its best to remain hidden for centuries, so he wasn't necessary to the plot.

Others jokingly point out that he is in every other Marvel movie, so it was time to give the character a break.

The actor has reprised his role for the upcoming Secret Invasion TV series, which will see Fury dealing with a conspiracy involving the shape-shifting aliens known as the Skrulls.

The show will premiere on June 21, 2023.

Sources: Entertainment Tonight, Reddit