SAMUEL L. JACKSON
Who doesn’t remember when Samuel L Jackson, iconic actor and storied Hollywood figure appeared on Agents of SHIELD? So far he’s the only major actor from the MCU to make an appearance on the show. Towards the end of season one, Jackson appeared to appoint Phil Coulson as director of SHIELD as he went undercover (presumably to continue the fight against HYDRA and other forces in the Marvel Universe.)
No matter what anyone’s position on the first season of the show was, from the Ward twist to Jackson’s appearance season one set the stage for what the show could be and would ultimately become in season 5. Jackson arriving in the show was (hopefully) the first connection to the broader MCU that would shape the show’s position as both a writing lab for the MCU at large and the first of Marvel’s Television series.
Jackson appearing on SHIELD also brought home the concept of just how deep the HYDRA betrayal ran that would eventually be explored in Agent Carter. It added a human element between the very human characters of Garrett, Fury, and Coulson that Winter Soldier couldn’t with the focus being on the battle between Bucky and Steve.
Jackson hasn’t returned to SHIELD since the first season, but the 100th episode is billed as a game changer. While the actor is currently filming Son of Shaft, is it possible that he swung by for a quick return to the set?
Either way, you can catch him in Glass from director M. Night Shyamalan and as Nick Fury in 2019’s Captain Marvel with Brie Larson!
The list of fantastic Agents of SHIELD guest stars could go on forever. The show has seen some incredible talent both as reoccurring characters as well as guest stars. From Lucy Lawless (that’s right, XENA was on SHIELD) to Jason O’Mara’s Patriot they’re all incredible. Few end up sticking around and some we push to stay with us (#WeWantGhostRider Y’all) but they make a very real mark on the Agents of SHIELD universe.
Did we miss any big ones? (Let’s face it we probably did) sound off and share your thoughts in the comments below and be sure to share your thoughts with us and Agents of SHIELD using #AgentsofSHIELD100 or #shield100 on social media!)