Avengers Reference With Samuel L. Jackson From xXx 3 Revealed

01/20/2017 10:37 am EST

Warning! Spoilers for the first few minutes of xXx: The Return of Xander Cage follow.

The post credits scene of Iron Man from 2008 is one of the most iconic moments in comic book movie history. It might even qualify among the top moments for all of cinema, looking back at what Samuel L. Jackson's Nick Fury walking into Robert Downey Jr.'s Tony Stark's house unnannounced launched. It was the first time the movies had ever heard of "the Avengers Initiative" and became the cornerstone of the biggest film franchise today.

So, when Jackson returned to the dormant xXx franchise for xXx: Return of Xander Cage more than 10 years since his last effort with Ice Cube, the film decided to make a joke about Jackson's Marvel Cinematic Universe role.

Starting with a surprise cameo from renowned soccer player Neymar Jr., Jackson's Gibbons is seen having a meal in an effort to recruit the athlete to the xXx program.

In a Suicide Squad-like character intro, the screen freezes on Neymar Jr. for a title card to roll in, revealing his name and skills.

Also on the card was the real reason Neymar Jr. was at the meeting: He thought he was being recruited for the Avengers. Xander Cage confirmed for Avengers: Infinity War?

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The fun poke a Jackson's role in the Marvel universe is one of very many attempts at humor in xXx: Return of Xander Cage. Of course, it's acceptable, because Diesel who both stars in and produces the film, is also a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In 2014, Diesel became the voice of Groot and will be reprising his role later this year with Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.

xXx: Return of Xander Cage is now playing in theaters. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 hits theaters May 5, 2017.

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