9. Samuel L. Jackson (Nick Fury) - The Marvel Cinematic Universe
Samuel L. Jackson's portrayal of Nick Fury is a pretty far cry from the attempt made by David Hasselhoff in 1998's TV movie Nick Fury: Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D., but really, is there anyone better suited for this role? 2002's comic book version of Ultimate Nick Fury had even been designed to resemble Jackson (without his permission, mind), and so the match between player and part was perfect: all Jackson had to do was exaggerate his entertaining popular persona, to be loud, in-your-face and a total bada**. Fury is the lynchpin of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, instrumental in bringing all of the moving pieces together by way of several cameos in earlier MCU films. By the time The Avengers came about, Fury had become a main character himself and absolutely vital in helping keep the superhero team together. This is a testament to Jackson's inherent appeal to audiences, and the integral role he plays in the mammoth franchise, keeping everything tethered to the whole. Despite only having two films left on his nine-picture contract with Marvel (after filming Avengers: Age of Ultron), hopefully Marvel will see sense and renew his contract for future movies.