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Unforgettable Nick Fury Quotes to Inspire and Intrigue

No matter how you feel about Nick Fury, it’s indisputable that the comic book character has led an extraordinary life.

As one of Marvel’s most iconic characters, he has made his mark on pop culture and inspired countless readers for decades.

From witty one-liners to intense showdowns with supervillains, Nick Fury absolutely compels audiences to keep reading.

If you want to celebrate this fascinating character with some unforgettable quotes, look no further!

Here are some of our favorite lines (and situations) from the maverick Master Spy himself that will surely inspire and intrigue.

Iron Man (2008)

We first meet Nick Fury in an end credits scene between Tony and Nick. It’s also when we were first introduced to the Avenger Initiative.


Tony Stark: Evening, JARVIS.
Jarvis: Welcome home, Sir.
Nick Fury: I am Iron Man. You think you’re the only superhero in the world? Mr. Stark, you’ve become part of a bigger universe. You just don’t know it yet.
Tony Stark: Who the hell are you?
Nick Fury: Nick Fury, Director of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Tony Stark: Ah.
Nick Fury: I’m here to talk to you about the Avenger Initiative.


Iron Man 2 (2010)

Graphic with a cracked concrete background and text that reads: I've got my eye on you.

Who knew a brief cameo from Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury would cause such a stir in the Marvel Cinematic Universe? Well, we all know now!

In Iron Man 2, Fury slinks his way into the storyline after we first met him in an end credit scene in the first Iron Man film.

With his slick shades and cool demeanor, Fury drops hints about the impending Avengers initiative.

He may not have had much screen time, but his impact was felt throughout the entire film and beyond.


I’ve got my eye on you.

He took it? You’re Iron Man and he just took it? The little brother just walked in there, kicked your ass and took your suit? Is that possible? – A shocked Nick Fury to Tony Stark

Tony Stark: Well, then you must have known my father better than I did.
Nick Fury: As a matter of fact, I did. He was one of the founding members of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Tony Stark: Wait, what?

Tony Stark: I’m sorry. I don’t wanna get on the wrong foot. Do I look at the patch or the eye? Honest, I’m a bit hung over. I’m not sure if you’re real or if I’m having…
Nick Fury: I am very real. I’m the realest person you’re ever gonna meet.

Tony Stark: Trust me, I know. I’m good at this stuff. I’ve been looking for a suitable replacement for palladium. I’ve tried every combination, every permutation of every known element.
Nick Fury: Well, I’m here to tell you, you haven’t tried them all.

Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)

If you’re a fan of Marvel Studios’ 2011 film, Captain America: The First Avenger, then you’ll know exactly who I’m talking about – Nick Fury, played by the one and only Samuel L. Jackson.

Now, I know what you’re thinking, But wait, isn’t this movie supposed to be about Captain America?

Sure, Cap is the star of the show, but let’s be real, Nick Fury steals the scene every time he’s on screen.

He’s the guy that brings Cap into the Avengers fold, setting the stage for all the action-packed heroics that follow.

So here’s to you, Nick Fury – the true MVP of Captain America: The First Avenger.


Nick Fury: At ease, soldier. Look, I’m sorry about that little show back there. But we thought it best to break it to you slowly.
Steve Rogers: Break what?
Nick Fury:: You’ve been asleep, Cap. For almost 70 years. You gonna be okay?
Steve Rogers: Yeah. Yeah, I just… I had a date.

Thor (2011)

Nick Fury’s appearance in Thor was brief, but man oh man was it memorable.

From his signature eye patch to his no-nonsense attitude, Fury stole the show in his few scenes and left us all wanting more.

So, let’s raise a glass to the man behind the eyepatch and give him the credit he deserves for making Thor that much more badass.

Here are some of his best lines.


Nick Fury: Dr. Selvig.
Erik Selvig: So you’re the man behind all this? It’s quite a labyrinth. I was think that you had taken me down here to kill me.
Nick Fury: I’ve been hearing about the New Mexico situation. Your work has impressed a lot of popes who are much smarter than I am.
Erik Selvig: I had a lot to work with: the Foster Theory, a gateway to another dimension. It’s unprecedented, isn’t it?
Nick Fury: Legend tells us one thing, history another. But every now and then we find something that belongs to both.
Erik Selvig: What is it?
Nick Fury: Power, Doctor. If we figure out how to tap it, maybe unlimited power.

The Avengers (2012)

Graphic with a bright blue textured background and text that reads: I still believe in heroes.

Played by the one and only Samuel L. Jackson, Nick Fury is the glue that holds the Avengers together (and not just because of that mysterious briefcase he’s always carrying around).

Whether he’s calmly delivering exposition or unleashing a stream of sass on some unsuspecting hero, Fury is a force to be reckoned with.

So if you’re looking for a classic character who can bring the snark and the strategy in equal measure, Nick Fury is your guy.


I still believe in heroes.

Until such time as the world ends, we will act as though it intends to spin on.

Nick Fury: Having trouble sleeping?
Steve Rogers: I’ve been asleep for 70 years. I think I’ve had enough rest.

Thor: I thought humans were more evolved than this.
Nick Fury: Excuse me, did we come to your planet and blow stuff up?

Steve Rogers: When I went under the world was at war. I wake up, they say we won. They didn’t say what we lost.
Nick Fury: We’ve made some mistakes along the way. Some very recently.

Nick Fury: Doctor, thank you for coming.
Bruce Banner: Thanks for asking nicely. So, uh, how long am I staying?
Nick Fury: Once we get our hands on the Tesseract, you’re in the clear.

World Security Council: Where are the Avengers?
Nick Fury: I’m not currently tracking their whereabouts. I’d say they’ve earned a leave of absence.
World Security Council: And the Tesseract?
Nick Fury: The Tesseract is where it belongs: out of our reach.

Graphic with a gray textured background and text with the infamous quote from Nick Fury, I recognize the council has made a decision...

World Security Council: Director Fury, the council has made a decision.
Nick Fury: I recognize the council has made a decision, but given that it’s a stupid-ass decision, I’ve elected to ignore it.
World Security Council: It’s a nuclear missile to take out the portal!
Nick Fury: Situated at the island of Manhattan!

Nick Fury: In case it’s unclear… if you try to escape, you so much as scratch that glass, it’s 30,000 feet straight down in a steel trap. You get how that works? Ant… boot…
Loki: It’s an impressive cage. Not built, I think, for me.
Nick Fury: Built for something a lot stronger than you.
Loki: Oh, I’ve heard. The mindless beast makes play he’s still a man. How desperate are you that you call on such lost creatures to defend you?
Nick Fury: How desperate am I? You threaten my world with war. You steal a force you can’t hope to control. You talk about peace and you kill ‘cause it’s fun. You have mad me very desperate. You might not be glad that you did.
Loki: Oooh. It burns you to have come so close. To have the Tesseract, to have power, unlimited power. And for what? A warm light for all mankind to share. And then to be reminded what real power is.
Nick Fury: Well, let me know if real power wants a magazine or something.

Nick Fury: You think you could make Loki tell us where the Tesseract is?
Thor: I do not know. Loki’s mind is far afield. It’s not just power he craves, it’s vengeance, upon me. There’s no pain would arise his need from him.
Nick Fury: A lot of guys think that. Until the pain starts.
Thor: What are you asking me to do?
Nick Fury: I’m asking, what are you prepared to do?
Thor: Loki is a prisoner.
Nick Fury: Then why do I feel like he’s the only person on this boat that wants to be here?

For more wise words from the God of Mischief, check out my post with the best quotes from Loki.

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (2013-2020)

Listen up, Marvel fans! We all know that when Nick Fury appears on screen, you better pay attention.

And when the one and only Samuel L. Jackson brings him to life in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., you can’t help but sit up straight and watch in awe.

Whether he’s giving orders or showing off some seriously impressive tech, Fury is always a force to be reckoned with.

And let’s be real, with Jackson’s iconic voice and badass attitude, we wouldn’t have it any other way.

So crank up the volume and get ready for some serious Nick Fury action in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. – you won’t regret it.


You don’t have to call me Sir, Coulson. Look at me. I’m dressed like I live under a bridge.

Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)

Graphic with an orange and yellow textured background. Text reads: Last time I trust someone, I lost an eye.

Now, if you’re like me, you like watching Captain America: The Winter Soldier for one reason and one reason only: to see Nick Fury kick some serious butt. And boy, did Samuel L. Jackson deliver.

As the director of S.H.I.E.L.D., Fury is the mastermind behind all the Avengers’ missions, but in this film, he takes center stage, facing off against an unknown threat that puts his life in danger.

But let’s be real, we all knew Fury wasn’t going down without a fight. Armed with a whole lot of attitude, Fury proves once again why he’s not to be underestimated.


Last time I trusted someone, I lost an eye. – Nick Fury to Steve Rogers

If you want to stay ahead of me, Mr. Secretary, you need to keep both eyes open.

This man declined the Nobel Peace Price. He said that peace is not an achievement but a responsibility. It’s stuff like this that gives me trust issues.

Nick Fury: Get me Agent Hill.
Car: Communications array damaged.
Nick Fury: What’s not damaged?
Car: Air conditioning is fully operational.

Nick Fury: Why make me head off S.H.I.E.L.D?
Alexander Pierce: Because you’re the best. And the most ruthless person I ever met.
Nick Fury: I did what I did to protect people.

Steve Rogers: I don’t remember giving you a key.
Nick Fury: You really think I’d need one? My wife kicked me out.
Steve Rogers: Didn’t know you were married.
Nick Fury: There are a lot of things you don’t know about me.
Steve Rogers: I know, Nick. That’s the problem.
Nick Fury: I’m sorry to have to do this, but I had no place else to crash.
Steve Rogers: Who else knows about your wife?
Nick Fury: Just my friends.
Steve Rogers: Is that what we are?
Nick Fury: That’s up to you.

Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)

Move over, superheroes – it’s time to give Nick Fury his due credit in Avengers: Age of Ultron.

Played brilliantly by Samuel L. Jackson, Fury is the man behind the scenes, pulling the strings and keeping Earth safe from threats that most of us can’t even begin to imagine.

He’s got a plan for everything, and when the world is on the brink of destruction, you better believe that Fury’s got a trick up his sleeve.

So while Thor may have his hammer and Captain America may have his shield, Nick Fury’s got something even better – a no-nonsense attitude and enough coolness to make any villain think twice before making a move.

Here are his best lines and scenes from Avengers: Age of Ultron.


Guy’s multiplying faster than a Catholic rabbit!

No matter who wins or loses, trouble still comes around.

You never know. You hope for the best, then make do with what you get.

You’ve come up with some pretty impressive inventions, Tony. War isn’t one of them.

Here we all are, with nothing but our wit and our will to save the world. So stand and fight!

Steve Rogers: Fury, you son of a bitch!
Nick Fury: Whoa! You kiss your mother with that mouth?

Nick Fury: Outwit the platinum bastard
Natasha Romanoff: Steve doesn’t like that kind of talk.
Steve Rogers: You know what, Romanoff…

Avengers: Infinity War (2018)

If there’s one thing we can always count on in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it’s Nick Fury popping up in unexpected places.

And in Avengers: Infinity War, he certainly doesn’t disappoint. The one-eyed wonder, played by the legendary Samuel L. Jackson, adds his signature blend of snark and badassery to yet another blockbuster hit.

Without giving away too much, let’s just say that Fury has a few tricks up his sleeve in this one.

So buckle up, grab some popcorn, and get ready for some classic Fury moments that will leave you cheering for the good guys (and maybe even Samuel L. Jackson himself).


Nick Fury: There was an idea…
Tony Stark: To bring together a group of remarkable people…
Vision: To see if we could become something more…
Thor: So when they needed us, we could fight the battles…
Natasha Romanoff: That they never could.

Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019)

Look, we all know that Samuel L. Jackson is a certified legend. And when it comes to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, he’s the ultimate bad ass.

So, it’s no surprise that Nick Fury had a major role in Spider-Man: Far From Home. I mean, who else could handle all the craziness that Peter Parker gets into?

With his no-nonsense attitude and his sleek black suit, Fury is the perfect counter-balance to Spidey’s witty quips and awkward teen moments.

And let’s not forget about that post-credit scene…uh, yeah, I think we all need a moment to recover from that one. All I can say is, thank goodness for Nick Fury.


If another person touches that door, you and I will be attending another funeral. – Nick Fury to Peter Parker

Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown. Stark said you wouldn’t get that because it’s not a Star Wars reference. – Nick Fury to Peter Parker

You got gifts, Parker. But you didn’t want to be here. I’d love to have you in Berlin, but you’ve got to decide whether you’re going to step up or not. Stark chose you. He made you an Avenger. I need that. That world needs that. Maybe Stark was wrong. The choice is yours. – Nick Fury to Peter Parker

Maria Hill: Nick, this was a tragedy but it’s not why we’re here. What are we fighting the weather now?
Nick Fury: Locals say the cyclone had a face.
Maria Hill People see things when they’re under stress.

Nick Fury: We have a job to do and you’re coming with us.
Peter Parker: There’s gotta be someone else you can use. What about Thor?
Nick Fury: Off world.
Peter Parker: Doctor Strange.
Maria Hill Unavailable.
Peter Parker: Captain Marvel.
Nick Fury: Don’t you invoke her name!
Peter Parker: I’m just your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man.
Nick Fury: Bitch please. You’ve been to space.

Captain Marvel (2019)

Alright, we’ve got to talk about Nick Fury in Captain Marvel. It’s safe to say that Samuel L. Jackson stole the show once again.

But let’s talk about one of the biggest scene-stealers in the movie – Goose the Flerken. I mean, sure, Nick Fury was pretty cool too, but let’s be real, Goose was the real MVP.

However, we do have to give Fury credit for surviving that intense encounter with the cosmic kitty.

So, even though Goose might have stolen the spotlight in Captain Marvel, Nick Fury still played a vital role in the movie.

And we have to admit, I’m pretty excited to see him team up with Captain Marvel again in the future.


Agent Coulson: So is it true that the Kree burned your eye out because you refused to give them the Tesseract?
Nick Fury: I will neither confirm nor deny the facts of that story.

Nick Fury: We have no idea what other intergalactic threats are out there. And our one woman security force had a prior commitment on the other side of the universe. S.H.I.E.L.D. alone can’t protect us. We need to find more.
Agent Coulson: More weapons?
Nick Fury: More heroes.
Agent Coulson: You think you can find others like her?
Nick Fury: We found her and we weren’t even looking.

Carol Danvers: You have three names. What do people call you?
Nick Fury: Fury
Carol Danvers: Just Fury?
Nick Fury: Yep. Not Nicholas. Not Joseph. Just Fury.
Carol Danvers: What does your mother call you then?
Nick Fury: Fury.
Carol Danvers: What do your friends call you?
Nick Fury: Fury.
Carol Danvers: Kids?
Nick Fury: If I ever have them? Fury.

Carol Danvers: What is it?
Nick Fury: It’s a S.H.I.E.L.D. logo.
Carol Danvers: Does announcing your identity on clothing help with the covert part of your job?
Nick Fury: Said the space soldier who’s wearing a rubber suit.

Carol Danvers: Name a detail so bizarre a Skrull can never fabricate it.
Nick Fury: If a toast is cut diagonally, I can’t eat it. You didn’t need that, did you?
Carol Danvers: No. No, I didn’t. But I enjoyed it.

You look like somebody’s disaffected niece.

Coulson. New guy. Guess he doesn’t hate me yet.

Congrats to you, Starforce lady. You’re under arrest.

Space invasion. Big char chase. Truth be told, I was ready to hang it up. Til I met you today.

I know a renegade solder when I see one. Never occurred to me that one might come from above.

You know anything about a lady blowing up a Blockbuster? Witnesses say she was dressed for laser tag.

What If…? (2021)

Promotional poster for the Marvel Studios series, What If..? featuring an animated version of Nick Fury.
©Marvel Studios 2021. All Rights Reserved.

The episodes of What If…? featuring Nick Fury give us a glimpse into a world where things aren’t always as they seem and where he’s not just the guy calling the shots.

So buckle up, because these episodes will have you on the edge of your seat and wondering what other surprises are in store in this creative series filled with alternative storylines (or perhaps what happened elsewhere in the multiverse).


Sir, I’m gonna have to ask you to exit the donut. – Season 1, Episode 3, What If…The World Lost Its Mightiest Heroes?

Nick Fury: Stark may be eccentric, but he has potential.
Natasha Romanoff: What he has is a hangover.

Season 1, Episode 3, What If…The World Lost Its Mightiest Heroes?

Agent Coulson: The Avengers fell before they had a chance to rise. May they rest in peace.
Nick Fury: They can, but we won’t. The Avengers were always meant to be more than a team. They were an idea. The affirmation of humanity’s need to believe that in our darkest hour, we will find our heroes.

Season 1, Episode 3, What If…The World Lost Its Mightiest Heroes?

Loki: You and your replacement Avengers fought valiantly, but now I think it’s time you told me all your secrets. I was told you were dead.
Natasha Romanoff: Same.
Nick Fury: You’re not my Natasha, but something tells me you have her spirit

Season 1, Episode 9, What If…the Watcher Broke His Oath?

Secret Invasion (2023)

Promotional poster for the Marvel Studios Disney+ original series, Secret Invasion, featuring a headshot of Nick Fury interspliced with a skrull. Text above the photo reads "Who do you trust?"
Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2022 MARVEL

Okay folks, let’s talk about Marvel Studios’ Disney+ series, Secret Invasion.

And let me tell you, all eyes are on the one and only Nick Fury, played by the legendary Samuel L. Jackson.

Seriously, the man needs no introduction. But what we do need to know is what kind of shenanigans he’s going to get into in this show.

We all know Fury is a master of secrets and manipulation, so it’s safe to say he’s going to be front and center in this intergalactic conspiracy.

When the trailer for this series first hit, we were graced with an epic line in the trailer from Nick Fury, “This is my war, alone, and I’m the last person standing between them and what they truly want.”

I just knew from that line alone that this show was gonna be a good one – and it is!

To celebrate the show, here are all the key moments and best quotes from Nick Fury in Secret Invasion.


Season 1, Episode 1: Resurrection

Not bad for a 136 year old.

I know a bunch of good-lookin’ Skrull and you ain’t one of them.

Everything is priceless till it gets blown to bits in a hail of bullets.

We gonna go ahead and call that a lie. Everybody gets one. Nobody gets two.

Season 1, Episode 2: Promises

I’m Nick Fury. Been riding a desk for the past six years trying to figure out where our future enemies are coming from. Never occurred to me they would be coming from above.

The world is facing a serious threat and I could use your help. It would mean putting on a new face and keeping it. This is the promise: While you work to keep my home safe, Carol Danvers and I will find you a new one. Who’ll be the first to take the pledge?

You’re tellin’ me there’s a million Skrulls walking amongst us right now? Have you lost your reptilian-a** mind?

Humans can’t co-exist with each other, Talos! You’ve been here long enough to know that. We’ve been at war with each other since we could walk upright! There is not enough room or tolerance on this planet for another species!

And here’s the crazy part – we’re being invaded and we can’t even tell who the invaders are.

This is my war, Rhodey. I need you to back me on this.

Men who look like us don’t get promoted because of who our daddies know. Every ounce of power we wrestle from the vice grip of the mediocre Alexander Pierces who run this world was earned in blood. So let’s make the power mean something. Help a brother out.

Are you seriously under the impression that just because you strip me of my titles, I relinquish my DNA?

I’m Nick Fury. Even when I’m out, I’m in.

Season 1, Episode 3: Betrayed

Even a broken clock’s right twice a day.

If you want me to apologize for being gone, Scilla, just say so.

Well, you know, I never cared too much for golf, so I’m thinking I may take up revenge.

What’s to get? Dogs are man’s best friend.

The truth’s a mother dog, right?

Don’t look at him. He’s not the one who’s gonna have your wife scraping your purple goopy brains out of her carpet. Unless you call off the airstrike now.

Gotta be hard for you to be fighting with him when deep down in your bones you believe in what he’s doing.

Season 1, Episode 4: Beloved

Of all the dumba**, wrongheaded, reckless things I’ve done in my life, you are by far and away the greatest mistake. I lost all my reason to be your husband. Ignored every signal in my head, heart, and body that screamed, “Stop!” Even now as I sit here, knowing you plan to kill me with that pistol of yours, I don’t know if I had a chance to do it over again, that I’d do anything different.

I’m not sure if this means we should get divorced or renew our vows.

I wanted to share my favorite liquid lunch with you.

There are Skrulls in the US government.

Season 1, Episode 5: Harvest

Whatever you do, do not trust Colonel Rhodes.

Do something! I dare you.

You must be out of your Skrull-a** mind if you think I’m gonna let you get anywhere near the President.

Tell Gravik I’m coming for him.

The path of struggle is steep.

You cannot let grief paralyze you, G’iah. This is your time. Now!

Only dead men keep secrets. You taught me that, Sonya.

This is personal. We can’t keep depending on these superheroes to swoop in and save our a**es. None of them have lived the life I have. None of them can defend the world the way I can. The only power I have was planted between my ears by a single mother and wrapped around my finger by a woman who’s far greater than I could ever hope to be. If that ain’t enough, then I don’t know what hope we have. If that ain’t enough, maybe I am just dust.

Dead men need options.

It’s time. Let’s finish this.

Season 1, Episode 6: Home

I have dialed this number a million times. This is just the first time I pressed send.

You’re right. I failed you. I knew within a few years of searching that there was no other planet out there for you. I knew the only way to keep my end of the bargain was to build you a home here.

…it’s easier to save the lives of eight billion people than it is to change their hearts and minds.

And then The Blip came. You know the last thing I felt before I flaked off? Relief. Relief that I didn’t have to fight anymore. That I finally had a way out. But you’re right. I wasn’t brave. Do you know why I came back to Earth? You.

Just leave Earth the he** alone – and leave it now. Call of the strike and save your people.

You might want to aim that gun to your left, Sir.

He is a Skrull. And if you don’t call off the strike, you’re going to kill the man he’s replicating along with some of the world’s greatest minds.

Sir, you are looking at your enemy. You wait another minute, he and the rebel Skrulls will win.

I love you, Priscilla. I’m here to ask you for one last chance. I’m leaving tonight.

Putting things back together was never gonna be easy. You took a bad situation and made it worse. That’s real one-term President stuff. But we have to act now. Before the hit squad you inspired kill off the Skrulls who still wanna help us. Now you’ve got dumba** vigilantes killing innocent humans, too. When they’re not getting killed themselves. Call off your war.

…we’re better together. Well, at least I am. Please come with me.

What are your favorite Nick Fury quotes?

To wrap up, Nick Fury’s presence in the Marvel universe has been powerful and memorable.

From his often no nonsense demeanor to some subtle humor here and there, the character never fails to bring an intense energy to any on screen moment.

Even with the upcoming news that Nick Fury will be stepping down as Director of S.H.I.E.L.D, we can rest assured that he won’t be completely leaving us.

After all, what’s a superhero movie or series without a few cutting (and maybe even cheesy) one liners?

Sure, you may not be able to connect with them as much as Tony Stark could – but hey, maybe it’s time you re-watch some older MCU installments? After all, there’s bound to be some gold nuggets in there that will hit home more than ever before!

So tell us, what are your favorite Nick Fury quotes? We expect you guys to have a nice selection in your arsenal!

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About the author

Photo of Meg Frost on Buzz Lightyear: Space Ranger Blast at Disney World's Magic Kingdom.
Photo by Meg Frost, All rights reserved.

Meg Frost is the creator of The Park Pixie, where she covers Disney World, Disney+, and Disney fandom.

She holds an M.A. in Journalism from Northeastern University and B.S. in Communication & American Studies from University of Miami in Florida.

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This post was originally published June 24, 2023. It was last updated October 11, 2023.