Could Sam Rockwell's Iron Man 2 Character Return to the MCU? What the Actor Revealed

The Return of Justin Hammer: A Possible MCU Comeback

Two years after Iron Man launched the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and transformed Robert Downey Jr. into one of Hollywood’s most sought-after stars, Iron Man 2 introduced a new antagonist in the form of Sam Rockwell’s Justin Hammer. This character, a rival weapons manufacturer, partnered with Mickey Rourke’s Ivan Vanko, setting the stage for a memorable clash with Tony Stark. Since then, Rockwell has returned to voice Hammer in the short film All Hail the King and an episode of the What If…? animated series on Disney+. Despite these appearances, Hammer has yet to make a significant return to the main MCU storyline.

Rockwell recently shared his thoughts on the possibility of returning to the MCU while discussing his upcoming 2025 movie, The Bad Guys 2, with ComicBook. When asked if he was tired of being questioned about his MCU role, he responded:

“Well, I’m a nerd too, so I don’t, no. I’m waiting for the call. Hasn’t come in yet, but I’m waiting. I heard they’re shooting Avengers somewhere. I’m not there.”

This statement highlights that, despite the long gap since Iron Man 2, Rockwell is still eager to reprise his role as Justin Hammer. He remains interested in seeing how the character could be reintroduced into the MCU, especially given the recent developments in the franchise.

A Character from an Alternate Reality

In the What If…? series, viewers were introduced to an alternate version of Justin Hammer, which opened up new possibilities for his story. However, the official timeline version of the character has not been seen since All Hail the King, which was included as a bonus feature on the home media release of Thor: The Dark World. At the end of the short film, Hammer was shown in the same prison as Ben Kingsley’s Trevor Slattery, expressing frustration over the attention received by the villain from Iron Man 3. Given his criminal history, it’s reasonable to assume that he is still incarcerated. However, there is no reason why he couldn’t be released, especially if the MCU decides to bring him back.

Where Could Justin Hammer Fit Next?

Looking at the current slate of upcoming MCU projects, none seem to offer a clear place for Justin Hammer’s return. One potential opportunity was the Armor Wars project, which would have followed Don Cheadle’s James Rhodes as he tracked down individuals who had stolen Tony Stark’s technology. This storyline could have provided a natural platform for Hammer’s return. However, the status of Armor Wars remains uncertain, with no official release date announced.

Despite this, Kevin Feige and the creative team at Marvel Studios are well aware of Rockwell’s interest in returning to the MCU. If the right opportunity arises, it’s likely that they will reach out to the actor.

Catching Up with Sam Rockwell’s Other Roles

For fans looking to revisit Rockwell’s work in the MCU, Disney+ offers a variety of options. Subscribers can stream his appearances as Justin Hammer alongside other MCU movies and TV shows. The ad-supported plan is available for $9.99 per month, while an ad-free experience costs $15.99 per month. For those who prefer to save money, a yearly subscription is available for $159.99, offering a 16% discount.

In addition to his MCU roles, Rockwell will appear in The Bad Guys 2, which hits theaters on August 1. Fans can also catch his performance in The White Lotus via HBO Max.

The Future of Justin Hammer

While the return of Justin Hammer remains uncertain, Sam Rockwell’s enthusiasm for the role suggests that he is ready when the time comes. With the ever-expanding MCU, there may yet be a place for the character, whether through a new film, a TV series, or even a crossover event. For now, fans will have to wait and see if the call finally comes.