And people wonder why Marvel created the Ultimate line. I know that longtime Marvel Zombies are often loathe to accept it, but the fact is that it seems that the newer Ultimate versions are just more appealing to licensors for some reason. Take a look around the next time you end up in a party store or in the back to school section at Target - most of the Marvel branded product has the Ultimate logo on it, even if the actual illustration is, say, John Romita Jr’s Thor. Now it seems this trend may be spreading to the movies as well with IGN’s report of rumors that Will Smith is being tapped to play Nick Fury.

According to a trusted source, Marvel is looking to make the big-screen Nick Fury more along the lines of The Ultimates version than the traditional character. In other words, this Nick Fury will be an African-American. This is also in keeping with the portrayal of Fury in the upcoming direct-to-DVD animated release of Ultimate Avengers.

The Ultimates version of Fury was clearly drawn to resemble actor Samuel L. Jackson. So guess which thesp Marvel is said to be considering for Nick Fury?

No, not Sam Jackson.

Our says says it’s none other than Oscar nominee and action star Will Smith. The multihyphenate previously starred in the comic book movie franchise Men in Black.

Smith’s reps at CAA said this was news to them and his publicist advised us that “Will is not involved in this project in any way, shape or form.”

Spread the word!