While Samuel L. Jackson is already known as the eye patch-wearing head of S.H.E.I.L.D, Nick Fury, in the Marvel universe, it seems he will be taking on a more villainous role in the next comic-turned-film he takes part in. He is slated to play opposite Colin Firth and newcomer Taron Egerton in Matthew Vaughn’s (Kick-Ass, X-Men: First Class) screen adaptation of The Secret Service in a part that had previously been offered to both Tom Cruise and Leonardo DiCaprio.

The Secret Service is based on a comic series by Mark Millar and David Gibbons, and follows a Bond-type fellow (Firth) as he mentors his streetwise nephew (Egerton) in the family business. They investigate the kidnappings of various sci-fi legends, one of which is Mike Hamill. Jackson will be playing the main antagonist. The screenplay was penned by Jane Goldman, who has worked with the filmmaker on several projects, and Vaughn himself.

Now the search is on for the female lead, with rumors of Emma Watson and Bella Heathcote (Dark Shadows) being circulated. Nothing has been confirmed yet, but the film is being set up by Fox, and shooting should begin sometime in the fall.