Howard Stark (Marvel Cinematic Universe)

Howard Anthony Walter Stark is a fictional character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), portrayed by actor Dominic Cooper in the movies and by John Slattery in later appearances. Based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name, he is the father of Tony Stark (Iron Man) and one of the founding members of S.H.I.E.L.D. Howard is depicted as a brilliant inventor and industrialist, much like his son, and has significant contributions to technology and the military.

Character traits

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Howard Stark is portrayed as intelligent, charismatic, and somewhat similar to Tony in both his brilliance and his flaws. He has a complex legacy and often grapples with the responsibilities of his inventions and their impacts on the world.

Legacy

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Howard Stark's legacy is multifaceted: he is a symbol of innovation, but also a reminder of the consequences of technological advancements. His relationship with Tony Stark greatly influences Tony's character arc throughout the MCU, as he often reflects on his father's choices and strives to create a better world.

Overall, Howard Stark serves as a crucial character in exploring themes of legacy, responsibility, and the complexities of family dynamics within the MCU.

Appearances

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Movie appearances

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Year Movie Portrayed by
2008 Iron Man (onscreen photograph) Gerard Sanders
2010 Iron Man 2 John Slattery
2011 Captain America: The First Avenger Dominic Cooper
2013 Agent Carter
2015 Ant-Man (cameo appearance) John Slattery
2016 Captain America: Civil War
2019 Avengers: Endgame

Television appearances

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Year Television series Seasons Episodes Portrayed by
2015-2016 Agent Carter 2 18 Dominic Cooper
2021-present What If...? Dominic Cooper and John Slattery (voice)