Iron Man 3 has become so exclusive that even Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) isn't allowed in. The "No Avengers Allowed" production directed by Shane Black (Kiss Kiss Bang Bang) is locked down as a Tony Stark-centric experience after the fallout of the events in The Avengers. While Robert Downey Jr. won't have to share any screen time with his heroic teammates this time around, you can be sure to expect some sort of end credits tag linking it to Thor 2, aka Thor: The Dark World. Surprisingly, Jackson may not appear in that film either, but will next play Fury in Captain America 2, aka Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Hit the jump to see what Jackson had to say. 

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In a recent interview with Total Film (via Crave), Jackson commented on his scheduled appearance in the upcoming slate of Marvel's "Phase 2" films:

"I think my next time as Nick Fury is in Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Because I'm not in Iron Man 3. None of the Avengers are in Iron Man 3. It's a standalone Iron Man movie."

Since Jackson reportedly signed a nine-picture deal with Marvel and having already appeared in both Iron Man films, Thor, Captain America: The First Avenger and The Avengers, that leaves four remaining films in his contract. With Iron Man 3 and Thor: The Dark World out, but Captain America: The Winter Soldier in for Fury, he now has three films to fulfill. Presumably Fury would return for The Avengers 2 and there have been rumors of a possible stand-alone Nick Fury movie, which leaves one left standing. Is it likely that Fury will appear in a tag for Guardians of the Galaxy as a sort of bridge between Marvel's 2014 and 2015 films? Perhaps even a Hulk movie?

These long-term contracts are a tricky business, as Chris Evans discussed in a recent interview. Re-negotiations are probably kicking in right about now, so we'll see where Jackson lands. Downey Jr.'s own contract is already up after The Avengers 2, so time will tell if he extends his involvement or moves on, leaving the role open for another actor in a "James Bond" style of Iron Man films.

Here's a look at all of the upcoming Marvel films:

What a great time to be a nerd!

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Image via Marvel Studios