In an exciting turn of events for Marvel fans, there are rumors circulating that Sam Rockwell may be returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) as the villainous Justin Hammer. Rockwell, who portrayed Hammer in Iron Man 2, recently expressed his interest in reprising the role while appearing on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
During his interview, Fallon shared the speculation about Justin Hammer's possible return, with Armor Wars being the potential film for his comeback. Although Rockwell has not yet received an official offer from Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige, he enthusiastically stated, 'Listen, I'm in, dude. Let's go.'
Rockwell's portrayal of Justin Hammer in Iron Man 2 was met with high praise and adoration from fans. While Mickey Rourke played the primary antagonist Ivan Vanko, aka Whiplash, Rockwell's captivating and amusing interpretation of the arms dealer stole the show. Since then, Hammer has made smaller appearances in Marvel One-Shots' All Hail the King and the animated series What If...?, but has been absent from the MCU for over 15 years.
Jimmy Fallon highlighted the fans' desire to see Justin Hammer return, particularly in the context of Armor Wars. The anticipation stems from Rockwell's mesmerizing performance as Tony Stark's nemesis, an integral part of the iconic Iron Man franchise.
Interestingly, Rockwell revealed that his portrayal of Justin Hammer drew inspiration from other cinematic characters during a 2009 Comic-Con appearance. He cited Gene Hackman's Lex Luthor, along with George C. Scott in The Hustler and Bill Murray in Kingpin, as influences on his interpretation of the character. This attention to detail and his dedication to incorporating various elements into his performance showcase the depth of Rockwell's acting skills.
Although Armor Wars originally began as a Disney+ series, it was later transformed into a feature film project in 2022. While there is no confirmation of Rockwell's involvement, it has been announced that Don Cheadle will be reprising his role as Rhodey in the movie.
As of now, an official release date for Armor Wars has not been announced. Fans eagerly await any updates regarding Rockwell's return to the MCU and how his portrayal of Justin Hammer will intertwine with the story.
Until then, Marvel enthusiasts can enjoy Sam Rockwell's latest appearance on The Tonight Show, where he expressed his excitement about the prospect of returning to the Marvel universe. The interview offers a glimpse into the actor's journey and the influences that shaped his memorable portrayal of Justin Hammer.
Be sure to watch the complete interview below for more insight into Rockwell's potential return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
