After months of rumors and speculation, Samuel L. Jackson will, indeed, play Nick Fury in Iron Man 2 - and, possibly, many other movies.

The actor has signed a unique deal, in which he'll take on the role of Fury - the leader of the espionage unit the Shield in comic book lore - with an option to play the character in nine future Marvel superhero films.

These would include Captain America, Thor, and The Avengers.