A new rumor indicates Marvel plans on introducing the OG Nick Fury in the upcoming Doctor Strange: In the Multiverse of Madness film.
The rumor comes from Cosmic Book News whose source indicates the classic Nick Fury from the comics will be introduced in the Doctor Strange sequel. Not only does the rumor indicate we will see the original Nick Fury in Doctor Strange, but they also indicate other “classic comic book characters” could be introduced via the Multiverse.
While Samuel L. Jackson did a commendable job as Nick Fury in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, his recent outing in Captain Marvel left much to be desired. His character was used more as a comedic foil to Brie Larson and Carol Danver’s stoic character. It felt disrespectful to the grizzled veteran we had seen in Captain America: Winter Soldier and the comic book version many of us grew up with.
Not only did Fury’s characterizaton feel off in Captain Marvel, but Samuel L. Jackson’s age was apparent despite the de-aging.
Sgt. Fury and his Howling Commandos
For those unfamiliar with the original Nick Fury, he and his Howling Commandos were created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby back in 1963. Fury and the Howling Commandos first appeared in Sgt. Fury and his Howling Commandos #1.
The series came about about due to a bet between publisher Martin Goodman and Stan Lee. Goodman believed the Marvel books were selling due to buzzwords like Amazing, Fantastic, and Incredible. However, Lee claimed it was because of the Marvel style. As Lee tells it, “I’ll do a war book with the worst title I can come up with, but if it’s done in the Marvel style, I bet it’ll sell.” Thus Sgt. Fury and his Howling Commandos came about.
The Howling Commandos were an elite unit that served as an attack squad under the command of one Captain “Happy Sam” Sawyer. And Nick Fury served as the non-commissioned officer in charge of the squad. It ran for 167 issues, from its initial issue in May of 1963 to December 1981. The title hadn’t had as long a run as some of the other titles under Marvel’s banner. But it’s an impressive run. And some of the characters reprise their roles in other titles, as well as Fury earning a role as the head of another elite organization for espionage, S.H.I.E.L.D.
In the films, the Howling Commandos appear in Captain America: The First Avenger. However, they aren’t explicitly named as such. It isn’t until Captain America: Winter Soldier in the post-credit scene that they are directly referenced as such.
The Multiverse
The idea of a multiverse was introduced in the first Doctor Strange film and further expanded upon in Avengers: Endgame. Marvel even toyed us with even further expansion in Spider-Man: Far From Home, but ultimately it was just a red herring as we discover Mysterio’s true identity in the film. Mysterio’s identity even confirmed Thanos’ idea that reality is often disappointing.
However, given the title of this Doctor Strange sequel, it appears Marvel is willing to really dive head first. But there is still the possibility this could be another red herring similar to Spider-Man: Far From Home. Although, I highly doubt it.
Marvel has a track record of making announcements and then reversing course. The most infamous was the Inhumans television series that was quickly cancelled. It had originally been announced as an Inhumans film. Ant-Man and the Wasp was also not originally part of Phase 3.
I’d definitely be interested in seeing Doctor Strange explore the madness of the multiverse and introduce us to the OG Nick Fury with his Howling Commandos. We would get to see a younger Nick Fury who might still be going through the ringer and leading his Howling Commandos against a number of different threats. However, I’m hesitant about this new rumor coming in since it’s a bit early after the announcement of the title at San Diego Comic-Con.
At San Diego Comic-Con, Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige did reveal that Elizabeth Olsen’s Scarlet Witch will appear in “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” and that the film will tie directly into the upcoming Disney+ series WandaVision.
“Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” hits theaters on May 7, 2021.
What do you think of this possibility of another Nick Fury? Sound off in the comments below or let’s talk about it on social media!