Coronation Street fans have expressed surprise after discovering where actor Jonathan Howard, who plays Carl Webster, has been seen before. The character has been causing chaos in Weatherfield, but viewers have only now realized that Howard appeared in a major Hollywood film.
Jonathan Howard's Role in Thor: The Dark World
In 2013, the Lancashire-born actor played Ian Boothby in Thor: The Dark World, alongside stars like Chris Hemsworth and Idris Elba. His character was an unpaid intern working for Darcy Lewis, who herself was an intern for Dr. Jane Foster.
Fans took to social media to share their astonishment. One user, @nicolamvtchells, wrote: "I was today year's old when I found out Carl Webster is canon in the MCU...this crossover #Corrie." Another, @mralparr, replied: "Carl is the geek from Thor The Dark World????"
@Mr_Goomantash posted: "Wtaf thats CARL!?" Meanwhile, @ScottSmith35474 added: "Another fun fact. Carl Webster is married to Elektra. She’s involved in a major scandal in the States! Maybe why he disappeared for a bit from #Corrie."
Carl Webster's Dramatic Storyline on Coronation Street
Jonathan Howard joined the ITV soap last year as Carl, marking the first time viewers have seen the character, who was previously only mentioned by name as the younger half-sibling of Kevin and Debbie Webster. Since his arrival, Carl has been involved in numerous dramatic plotlines.
He had an affair with his sister-in-law, Abi Webster, and a fling with neighbor James Bailey. More importantly, it was recently revealed that Carl is actually Debbie's son. The truth emerged when Debbie took the blame for a horror crash in January that caused the death of Weatherfield vicar Billy Mayhew.
Carl discovered the truth as he admitted his guilt over the crash, having coldly pulled Debbie from the passenger side into the driver's seat to make it seem like she was behind the wheel. He took pleasure in seeing her take the blame, especially since she had been diagnosed with dementia last year.
Eventually, Debbie was freed after a successful appeal, but Carl's true motives were uncovered—he was only after money. Debbie sent him packing from Weatherfield. However, she had a change of heart when Carl ended up close to death.
In April, Carl was among five potential victims of a murder that rocked the cobbles. He accidentally had a car dropped on him after tampering with the brakes on Kevin Webster's car for revenge. Though he recovered, he has since made it known that he knows Tyrone Dobbs was behind the accident, with Ronnie Bailey helping to cover it up.
