Samuel L. Jackson is set to become a comic book icon - he has reportedly signed to play secret agent Nick Fury in an unprecedented nine-movie deal with Marvel.

The actor started a buzz in comic book circles when he made a cameo appearance at the end of 2008 blockbuster Iron Man, and quickly confirmed his appearance in the movie's forthcoming sequel.

However, the future of Jackson's role as the World War II superhero was thrown into turmoil, after the actor claimed negotiations between his representatives and the Marvel studio had broken down due to the current economic crisis.

But the Pulp Fiction's star has managed to cut a deal with Marvel bosses - he is confirmed as a recurring star of the studio's upcoming big screen comic adaptations, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

Jackson's nine-picture deal include appearances in Iron Man 2, Captain America, The Avengers and its subsequent sequels, and possibly as the lead in a S.H.I.E.L.D movie - the fictional espionage agency the Fury character heads.

(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)