The Marvel Cinematic Universe (McU) is certainly no stranger to recasting characters. Just look at what they did with the Hulk and War Machine. The former was played by Ed Norton before Mark Ruffalo stepped in while the latter was first brought to life by Terrence Howard, before he was replaced with Don Cheadle. But there’s one character who’s actually had three actors portray him so far and he’s not even that prominent a figure in the franchise.
We’re talking, of course, about Howard Stark. Sure, as the father of Tony, who is arguably the beating heart of the McU, he’s a fairly important character, but he hasn’t had a tremendous amount of screentime over his cinematic career and yet, three different individuals have had the honor of playing him.
This interesting find comes to us from the folks over at ScreenRant, so kudos to them for noticing.
We’re talking, of course, about Howard Stark. Sure, as the father of Tony, who is arguably the beating heart of the McU, he’s a fairly important character, but he hasn’t had a tremendous amount of screentime over his cinematic career and yet, three different individuals have had the honor of playing him.
This interesting find comes to us from the folks over at ScreenRant, so kudos to them for noticing.
- 12/25/2019
- by Matt Joseph
- We Got This Covered
In the Marvel Cinematic Universe Robert Downey Jr. has already had three actors play his dad - Gerard Sanders, John Slattery and Dominic Cooper - but for one of the star's next project he's looking for an actor who has won three Academy Awards. New reports say that Downey Jr. is now developing a new drama called The Judge to both act in and produce, and he's now he's trying to get Jack Nicholson to come aboard and play his father. According to THR, the story follows an attorney (Downey Jr.) who travels back to his hometown to attend his mother's funeral. While there he learns that his father, a former judge who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's, is the chief suspect in her murder. The son takes it upon himself to defend his father and begins to search for evidence to prove his innocence, becoming closer to his family...
- 11/14/2012
- cinemablend.com
When I overheard Dominic Cooper had been cast as Howard Stark in Captain America: The First Avenger, I thought - what Bradley Cooper? Then I heard the name again and thought - what Dominic Monaghan?
Then Matt Patches threw a neo-otyugh at my head and said, "douchebag! Dominic Cooper! The guy from An Education."
I get confused easily.
Yes, friends, Howard Stark, played by Gerard Sanders in Iron Man and, a little more tipsily, by John Slattery in Iron Man 2, will be back in Captain America and this time he'll be played by Dominic Cooper, a British actor with a very Yahoo Buzz-worthy name.
If the storyline continues its implications from The Incredible Hulk and Iron Man 2, you can expect to see the elder Stark greatly involved in the development of Cap's super soldier serum.
Then Matt Patches threw a neo-otyugh at my head and said, "douchebag! Dominic Cooper! The guy from An Education."
I get confused easily.
Yes, friends, Howard Stark, played by Gerard Sanders in Iron Man and, a little more tipsily, by John Slattery in Iron Man 2, will be back in Captain America and this time he'll be played by Dominic Cooper, a British actor with a very Yahoo Buzz-worthy name.
If the storyline continues its implications from The Incredible Hulk and Iron Man 2, you can expect to see the elder Stark greatly involved in the development of Cap's super soldier serum.
- 5/25/2010
- UGO Movies
As anyone who’s seen Iron Man 2 should know, it seems that Tony Stark’s Dad Howard plays a crucial part in the expanding Marvel ‘verse. Plus, given that he was around during World War Two and involved in the creation of clandestine government agency S.H.I.E.L.D., it’s very unsurprising that he’ll pop up in Captain America: The First Avenger. We’ve seen him twice on screen already of course (played by Gerard Sanders in the first Iron Man, John Slattery in the second), but here we’ll see a younger...
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- 5/25/2010
- by Total Film
- TotalFilm
Though we've already seen the role of Howard Stark (father to Iron Man himself, Tony Stark) portrayed by Gerard Sanders (in Iron Man) and most recently by John Slattery (in Iron Man 2), Salon (via Cinematical) reports that Dominic Cooper (An Education, The Duchess) will portray an even younger version of the founder of Stark Industries in Captain America: The First Avenger. This is confirmation of what we had heard previously about just how big of a role Papa Stark will play in Marvel's ever-expanding on-screen universe. Though we're unsure how big the part is, there's no doubt it'll certainly be a very integral role. Of course, aside from Nick Fury saying that he worked with Howard Stark decades ago (presumably whilst both were involved with Captain America in some form or another) there are also the Easter Eggs in Iron Man 2 (Cap's shield and even a meta reference...
- 5/25/2010
- by Ethan Anderton
- firstshowing.net
Dominic Cooper is “slated to play” Howard Stark in Marvel’s The First Avenger: Captain America. Set during WWII, the superhero film will include Tony Stark/Iron Man’s father, though the size of his role is unknown at this time.
The news of Cooper’s involvement is buried in a Salon interview with the 31-year-old actor while promoting the Cannes Film Festival premiere of Tamara Drewe. Marvel has not made an official announcement.
Joe Johnston is preparing to direct the comic book adaptation this summer in London with star Chris Evans as Captain America, Hayley Atwell as his love interest, Sebastian Stan as his sidekick Bucky Barnes, Hugo Weaving as the villainous Red Skull, and Toby Jones as the mad scientist Arnim Zola.
Howard Stark was played briefly in still pictures by Gerard Sanders in Iron Man and John Slattery portrayed the character in key archival footage for Iron Man 2.
The news of Cooper’s involvement is buried in a Salon interview with the 31-year-old actor while promoting the Cannes Film Festival premiere of Tamara Drewe. Marvel has not made an official announcement.
Joe Johnston is preparing to direct the comic book adaptation this summer in London with star Chris Evans as Captain America, Hayley Atwell as his love interest, Sebastian Stan as his sidekick Bucky Barnes, Hugo Weaving as the villainous Red Skull, and Toby Jones as the mad scientist Arnim Zola.
Howard Stark was played briefly in still pictures by Gerard Sanders in Iron Man and John Slattery portrayed the character in key archival footage for Iron Man 2.
- 5/25/2010
- by Jeff Leins
- newsinfilm.com
Despite the percolating rumor, "Iron Man 2" apparently won't see Tim Robbins playing Tony Stark's father, Howard Stark. In an interview with ReelTalk recently, the 50-year-old actor indicated that he won't be seen as the founder of Stark Industries in the "Iron Man" sequel, saying "That was an Internet rumor. Can't trust those Internets."
Back in December 2008, Latino Review has come up with a scoop that Robbins is going to replace Gerard Sanders, the actor who plays the character in the first film. The site moreover claimed that the actor will be seen in an important flashback sequence which will set up the "The Avengers" and "The First Avenger: Captain America" films.
To be directed by Jon Favreau, "Iron Man 2" has "Tropic Thunder" co-scribbler Justin Theroux attached to pen the story. Seeing the return of Robert Downey Jr. as the superhero in armored iron suit, the sequel picks up...
Back in December 2008, Latino Review has come up with a scoop that Robbins is going to replace Gerard Sanders, the actor who plays the character in the first film. The site moreover claimed that the actor will be seen in an important flashback sequence which will set up the "The Avengers" and "The First Avenger: Captain America" films.
To be directed by Jon Favreau, "Iron Man 2" has "Tropic Thunder" co-scribbler Justin Theroux attached to pen the story. Seeing the return of Robert Downey Jr. as the superhero in armored iron suit, the sequel picks up...
- 4/3/2009
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
Jon Favreau directed a movie called Zathura a few years ago. It was pretty good, actually. Tanked, but it was Ok. Perhaps he developed a good rapport with Tim Robbins, who played the father in that film, and perhaps, Favreau's heart went out to Robbins for the failure of City of Ember, among the year's biggest flops. Coincidentally, Tim Robbins played the father in that one, too.
He was also a dad in Mystic River, and well, that could've ended more happily.
There are reports swirling that Robbins might join Iron Man 2 as Howard Stark, the father of Tony Stark. Latino Review broke the news, pointing out that even though the character was in the first movie (played by Gerard Sanders), he has a much more important role in round two. There will apparently be a big-time flashback with the elder Stark that helps further set up The Avengers and Captain America.
He was also a dad in Mystic River, and well, that could've ended more happily.
There are reports swirling that Robbins might join Iron Man 2 as Howard Stark, the father of Tony Stark. Latino Review broke the news, pointing out that even though the character was in the first movie (played by Gerard Sanders), he has a much more important role in round two. There will apparently be a big-time flashback with the elder Stark that helps further set up The Avengers and Captain America.
- 12/18/2008
- by Colin Boyd
- GetTheBigPicture.net
Tim Robbins will reportedly be joining the cast of "Iron Man 2." The "Shawshank Redemption" star is set to play Tony Stark's father in the sequel to the blockbuster film.
According to Latino Review, the 50-year-old actor will star as Howard Stark in an important flashback sequence in the upcoming film. If the report is true, then he will be replacing Gerard Sanders for the role. Sanders played Howard in a montage scene in the first film.
Although still not confirmed, screenwriter Mark Fergus had revealed in September that the sequel's storyline would include Tony/Iron Man's relationship with his father.
It was also reported in October that Terrence Howard, who played James Rhodes, will not be coming back in the second film. Don Cheadle will be replacing him for unknown reasons.
According to Latino Review, the 50-year-old actor will star as Howard Stark in an important flashback sequence in the upcoming film. If the report is true, then he will be replacing Gerard Sanders for the role. Sanders played Howard in a montage scene in the first film.
Although still not confirmed, screenwriter Mark Fergus had revealed in September that the sequel's storyline would include Tony/Iron Man's relationship with his father.
It was also reported in October that Terrence Howard, who played James Rhodes, will not be coming back in the second film. Don Cheadle will be replacing him for unknown reasons.
- 12/18/2008
- icelebz.com
While ridiculous casting rumors for The Dark Knight sequel once again seem to be spreading across the interwebs, let’s look at one that actually has the possibility of being true. El Mayimbe over at Latino Review, who has posted reliable info many times before, says Tim Robbins is joining the cast of Iron Man 2. According to the site’s source, Robbins will be playing Tony Stark’s father, Howard Stark, in an important flashback sequence that is going to set up The Avengers and Captain America. Howard Stark appeared in the first flick in the photo montage at the beginning of the film, and was played by Gerard Sanders. El Mayimbe’s source says director Jon Favreau cast Robbins because he didn’t think Sanders could carry such an important scene. The source also revealed that the characters Hawkeye and Black Widow will indeed be in the sequel,...
- 12/18/2008
- by James Cook
- TheMovingPicture.net
The Latino Review is reporting that the role of Howard Stark, founder of Stark Industries and father of Tony (a.k.a. Iron Man), may be taken over by Shawshank actor Tim Robbins.
If this casting rumor is true, director Jon Favreau's decision to dump Gerard Sanders, who appeared in the part for the first movie, will be because of an enhanced role and important story arc which may introduce The Avengers and Captain America in particular.
This means that the elder Stark (and Robbins) will play a big part in Marvel's multiple comic book movies, and will probably involve Stark's company in the WWII Super Soldier experiment that created Captain America. Such set-up in Iron Man 2 will most certainly follow through in the two other Marvel movies -- already in pre-production.
Also mentioned as possible players in Iron Man 2 are two other Avengers: Black Widow and Hawkeye.
If this casting rumor is true, director Jon Favreau's decision to dump Gerard Sanders, who appeared in the part for the first movie, will be because of an enhanced role and important story arc which may introduce The Avengers and Captain America in particular.
This means that the elder Stark (and Robbins) will play a big part in Marvel's multiple comic book movies, and will probably involve Stark's company in the WWII Super Soldier experiment that created Captain America. Such set-up in Iron Man 2 will most certainly follow through in the two other Marvel movies -- already in pre-production.
Also mentioned as possible players in Iron Man 2 are two other Avengers: Black Widow and Hawkeye.
- 12/18/2008
- by reelz reelz
- Reelzchannel.com
Another casting report has come in for "Iron Man 2" and it involves the founder of Stark Industries, Howard Stark. Exposing the interesting scoop is Latino Review, which claimed that "Mystic River" star, Tim Robbins, is going to fill in the shoes of Tony Stark's father in the sequel to blockbuster film, "Iron Man".
If indeed being cast for the part, the 50-year-old actor will replace Gerard Sanders, the actor who plays the character in the first film. In this second "Iron Man" film, his character reportedly will be seen in an important flashback sequence which will set up the "The Avengers" and "The First Avenger: Captain America" films; that is why, director Jon Favreau needs a good actor, so claimed the site.
Aside from breaking out the Howard Stark's possible casting, Latino Review also reported that both Hawkeye and Black Widow are part of the plot. Thus, the two...
If indeed being cast for the part, the 50-year-old actor will replace Gerard Sanders, the actor who plays the character in the first film. In this second "Iron Man" film, his character reportedly will be seen in an important flashback sequence which will set up the "The Avengers" and "The First Avenger: Captain America" films; that is why, director Jon Favreau needs a good actor, so claimed the site.
Aside from breaking out the Howard Stark's possible casting, Latino Review also reported that both Hawkeye and Black Widow are part of the plot. Thus, the two...
- 12/18/2008
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
Well it looks like Terrance Howard isn’t that only Iron Man actor getting the shaft in the Marvel Studios sequel. Latino Review reports a rumor that Gerard Sanders, who played Tony Stark’s father Howard in a montage will not return for Iron Man 2. Instead, Howard Stark will be played by Tim Robbins. Apparently there is a pretty important flashback sequence that among other things, helps set up The Avengers and Captain America films, and director Jon Favreau needed an actor who could pull off the scene.
While not 100% confirmed, this makes perfect sense. Screenwriter Mark Fergus told MTV in September that Tony’s “relationship with his father and this person you only heard about in the first movie is going to be much more fully explored” in the sequel and “in other Marvel movies”. It certainly makes sense to involve Howard Stark in the Super Soldier program.
While not 100% confirmed, this makes perfect sense. Screenwriter Mark Fergus told MTV in September that Tony’s “relationship with his father and this person you only heard about in the first movie is going to be much more fully explored” in the sequel and “in other Marvel movies”. It certainly makes sense to involve Howard Stark in the Super Soldier program.
- 12/18/2008
- by Peter Sciretta
- Slash Film
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