We’ve talked about Nick Fury before in the news. Just four months ago we ran a story about Bruce Willis being mentioned as a candidate to play the Marvel Comic character - a character who in the past has been played by David Hasslehoff and Cinema Blend forum member Jason Muzie.

Another casting rumor has been dropped, this time by IGN FilmForce, and it’s a doozy of a rumor. Apparently the plan is to take the character in the direction of the new “Ultimate” storylines, where the character is African-American. Looking at the picture of that rendition of the character, it’s clear there’s only one actor who could play the part. Unfortunately, Samuel L. Jackson’s name is not the one being dropped. I guess he’s busy with Snakes on a Plane.

Instead the name being dropped to play the eyepatched soldier is none other then... Will Smith? That’s more then just a little jump between character and actor. That’s a leap over a chasm the size of the Grand Canyon.

According to IGN, when asked Smith’s people denied any knowledge or involvement from Smith to take the part that direction, although Marvel’s people provided the old “no comment” standby.

Personally, I’m marking this as a big rumor. Going the “Ultimate” direction with the character seems extremely bizarre, unless they specifically were going to cast Jackson in the role. If they’re not going that direction, they might as well stick with the original character. Besides, the last time a role was adjusted specifically for Will Smith we ended up with Wild Wild West. I really would prefer not to see Nick Fury go up against a giant mechanical spider.