‘Captain America: Civil War’ Will Not Feature Major Marvel Cinematic Universe Character

“Captain America: Civil War” has started to sound like an “Avengers” film with all of the comic book characters signing on for it. Yet, Marvel has apparently decided to leave one major character out: Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson).

This is pretty surprising news for fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Jackson has appeared in seven MCU films, which is several more than most actors in the franchise. Nick Fury had a large role as the director of S.H.I.E.L.D. before the organization collapsed in 2014's “Captain America: The Winter Soldier.” Even after Hydra infiltrated his job, Fury worked with the Avengers in “Avengers: Age of Ultron” to help them save Sokovia. However, Jackson revealed that he wasn’t asked to return for the third “Captain America” film.

“I was surprised I wasn't in ‘Civil War,’ because [directors] the Russo Brothers told me I was,” Jackson revealed to IGN. “I don't know what's going on.”

The film is bringing in a plethora of Marvel characters including Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner), Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman), Ant-Man (Paul Rudd), and many others. “Captain America: Civil War” will pit a large number of superheroes, including Captain America (Chris Evans) and Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), against each other.

“After another international incident involving the Avengers results in collateral damage, political pressure mounts to install a system of accountability and a governing body to determine when to enlist the services of the team,” Marvel’s synopsis reads. “The new status quo fractures the Avengers while they try to protect the world from a new and nefarious villain.”

So why wouldn’t Fury come and reunite the Avengers as usual? Jackson told Collider that Fury is probably still sorting out S.H.I.E.L.D. “But I’m not in ‘Captain America 3.’ I can’t figure that out, but I’m not,” he said. “I guess I’m still out there, trying to figure out what happened to S.H.I.E.L.D. and who these other people are.”

Don’t worry, Marvel fans. This isn’t the end of Nick Fury. In fact, Jackson is hoping to extend his run. While he has two films left in his contract (though he doesn’t know which two titles they’ll be) and he’d like to do even more.

“Of course [I’m interested in returning]! I’m looking for a contract extension right now, yeah,” Jackson said. “I’m looking to re-up.”

“Captain America: Civil War” will hit theaters on May 6, 2016. Do you think Fury should be in the film? Sound off in the comments section below!