Salma Hayek has revealed how Samuel L. Jackson reacted when he discovered that she was going to be in the Marvel Cinematic Universe with her debut in November's Eternals. The film is directed by Academy Award winner Chloé Zhao and is finally set to hit theaters on November 5 after a lengthy production process. She will be joined by an all-star cast, including Angelina Jolie, Game of Thrones alums Richard Madden and Kit Harington, and several more.
In Eternals, Salma Hayek will portray a character named Ajak, the leader of the titular team of Marvel superheroes. Prior to her involvement in the MCU, Hayek achieved fame in numerous films such as Frida, From Dusk Till Dawn, and Desperado. More recently, she appeared in both The Hitman’s Bodyguard as well as The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard, which teamed her up with Marvel superhero actors Ryan Reynolds and Samuel L. Jackson. Jackson is notable role for his role in the MCU as Nick Fury, while Reynolds portrays the Fox iteration of Deadpool – who is rumored to be joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe at some point in the near future.
Now, with Salma Hayek set to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe with her role as Ajak in Eternals, the actress has revealed how Samuel L. Jackson reacted to her casting. In a recent interview with Comicbook.com, she said that Jackson figured it out based on how she acted when he and Ryan Reynolds talked Marvel on the set of The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard. Hayek explained:
So one day I'm sitting with Sam right after they were talking about it a lot and he goes, 'So how much are they going to pay you?' or something like this, or 'Oh, so which one are you?' No, I didn't say anything, I go, 'What are you talking about?' He goes, 'Come on, I've been watching you when we're, you're in the Marvel movie, but you don't want to say it, because they told you not to say it. It's okay, I'm part of the family. It was incredible.
All of this speaks to the immense level of secrecy that surrounds the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This isn’t necessarily news, as even other members of the cast have noted the sheer amount of discretion required to keep plot details under wraps. From men in trench coats delivering Eternals scripts in the dark of night to simply not telling co-stars that they have all joined a major franchise together, the work required to ensure Marvel secrets truly stay secret seems staggering at this point.
Of course, this all leads fans to wonder what other secret castings may exist and not be public knowledge at this time. If Salma Hayek was in the Marvel Cinematic Universe while working with Samuel L. Jackson and Ryan Reynolds on The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard, then there’s no telling what other Hollywood A-listers may have also been cast in the MCU for the newly kicked off Phase 4. Hayek will formally enter the MCU next month when Eternals debuts on November 5.
