Around the time Iron Man 3 began filming, The Shawshank Redemption actor William Sadler was reportedly spotted on the Wilmington, NC set for a costume fitting. And while we've yet to receive confirmation of that, the questionable, yet occasional reliable, Internet Movie Database may have disclosed his role.
According to IMDB, William Sadler will be portraying Dr. Sal Kennedy in the highly-anticipated Shane Black-directed Iron Man installment. First appearing in The Invincible Iron Man #2, via Marvel Comics Database, Sal Kennedy was a longtime friend of Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) and Maya Hansen (Rebecca Hall).
The trio met at an emergent technolgy conference when Tony was in his early twenties. Sal Kennedy is often sought out by Tony aka Ironman for advice and guidance, aiding him through several crises. The attacked that killed Sall was later revealed to have been arranged by the Mandarin.
Sal Kennedy also appeared in Warren Ellis' Extremis story arc, in which Iron Man 3 is said to be "loosely" based on. However, it's still possible William Sadler won't be portraying Kennedy at all. What do you think?
UPDATE: According to The Playlist' recent Podcast, Sadler will actually play a General in the film, who interacts with Don Cheadle's Col. James Rhodes. The podcast also touches on the potential post-credits scene, among other things. With a possible spoiler warning, read a transcription below with a load of salt!
S.H.I.E.L.D. still has a presence in the film, despite producers saying the story is completely standalone. In regards to how much of a presence they'll have, Marvel is apparently aiming for a similar relationship Agent Phil Coulson had with Iron Man in the first film. Maria Hill will be the connective tissue this time around.
Chinese actor Andy Lau's (who recently dropped out) role is apparently a "very different version of Radioactive Man in the comics." And while he's expected to pop up in future MCU films, he may appear in the post-credits scene. And that will involve him coming face-to-face with a version of Ant-Man.
Edgar Wright will possibly be shooting Iron Man 3's post-credits scene essentially introducing Ant-Man. This may back of Wright stating he was hoping to shoot some of the movie this year.
Anyhow, filming for Iron Man 3 is still well underway in Wilmington, NC. And the crew was apparently spotted earlier today. In addition to Malibu, Miami and China, will Boston, MA also be a setting in the film?
Photos courtesy of rachel_ann_26 and beccaday14
Described as a “technological crisis thriller,” set in the world of international war, arms & terror, Marvel Studios' “Iron Man 3” stars Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Guy Pearce, Rebecca Hall, Andy Lau, Ashley Hamilton, James Badge Dale, with Sir Ben Kingsley and Jon Favreau. Shane Black (“Kiss Kiss Bang Bang”) takes over directorial duties from Jon Favreau, who helmed the first two “Iron Man” films. Principal photography will occur primarily in North Carolina and China. And “Iron Man 3” is set for release in May 3, 2013.