Marvel's Phase 2 is off and running and will culminate in "Avengers: Age Of Ultron" in May 2015. However, two important characters may not join them in the next phase: Nick Fury and Maria Hill of SHIELD!

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is bound to go cosmic, what with 'Guardians of the Galaxy' coming along next year. There are more and more references to the Soul Gems and they are introducing heroes who have inclinations to magic /cosmic powers.

While that is not beyond the realm of jurisdiction of the SHIELD organization, Marvel may have different plans. The reality of film is not the same as the reality of comic books, and thus we can gain clues from the actors portraying the characters.

From Fandango, we have Samuel L. Jackson being his outspoken self. He is very straightforward about his Marvel 'situation.' When asked about his comic book movie future after the sequels to "Captain America" and "The Avengers":  "Nope, none whatsoever. I just know that the Marvel Universe is there, that there are things going on, and that I have three pictures left on my nine-picture deal. That's all I know. I've done six of them, and I'm about to do seven, so I'm running out of Marvel pictures - unless they extend my contract."

The follow up question: What if they do offer you an extension, at the right price: "Hell, yeah! Why wouldn't I?" It doesn't get any clearer than that! The "Pulp Fiction" star wouldn't have it any other way.

Cobie Smulders (Maria Hill) is not so blunt, however, offering very cryptic answers to IGN. The flow of the interview centered on the impending demise of "How I Met Your Mother" but when the subject shifted to the Avengers:

"I'm not talking about Avengers... anymore."

Further pressed for any statement, she relents: "I'll tell you, I'm excited about it. I know everything there is to know, but I'm not saying anything about it -- until literally the movie's out on DVD. Then I'll be like, 'Wasn't that a great part?' But I'm very excited. Joss Whedon is the best man on the planet."

Determined for more clues, "Agents of SHIELD" the Marvel TV series wherein she made a cameo was brought up: "No, I don't know anything about Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.. I've been watching, and I think it's such a great show. They're doing such a wonderful job, but I don't know about my personal involvement."

Two different answers, but will they lead to the same conclusion? Is this the last we will see of Nick Fury and Maria Hill?  Find out: "Captain America: The Winter Soldier" in theaters on April 4th, 2014, "The Avengers: Age of Ultron" on May 1st, 2015