Coronation Street fans are gobsmacked after discovering that Carl Webster actor Jonathan Howard played a role in a major Hollywood superhero film. The actor, who portrays the villainous Carl on the ITV soap, appeared in the 2013 Marvel blockbuster Thor: The Dark World as Ian Boothby.
From Weatherfield to Asgard
Jonathan Howard made his debut on Coronation Street last year as Carl Webster, the estranged brother of Kevin and Debbie Webster. Since arriving on the cobbles, Carl has caused chaos, including an affair with his sister-in-law Abi Webster, a hit-and-run on Tyrone Dobbs, and a multi-car pile-up in Corriedale. He even manipulated his dementia-stricken mother Debbie into taking the blame for the crash, leading to her brief imprisonment.
Recently, Carl discovered that Tyrone was the one who accidentally ran him over earlier this year, before Ronnie Bailey rushed him to hospital.
A Surprising Hollywood Past
Before joining Coronation Street, Jonathan appeared in several films and TV shows, including World War Z and Downton Abbey. However, it is his role in Thor: The Dark World that has sparked the most chatter. The film, which also starred Chris Hemsworth, Idris Elba, and Christopher Eccleston, grossed over £500 million at the box office.
Upon learning of Jonathan's Marvel connection, fans took to social media in shock. One viewer exclaimed on X: "I was today years old when I found out Carl Webster is canon in the MCU...this crossover." Another gasped: "Wtaf that's CARL!?" A third wrote: "How did I never realise that was him?????? I've seen Thor: The Dark World so many times!!!!!"
Struggles Behind the Success
Despite his impressive career, Jonathan recently opened up about the challenges of acting, including constant rejection and periods of unemployment. Speaking to the Mirror, he said: "At one point in my mid-30s I was auditioning constantly and getting rejected three times a week, which was tough. When you do 200 self-tapes and it's a constant no and you have two years of being unemployed, at some point you're going to question whether or not you're suitable for this, whether or not it's you as an actor that isn't good enough."
He added: "During those times, I was dropped by agents too. It's mentally challenging. I really had to dig deep, persevere and think 'is this heartbreak worth it all? Do I want this enough?'"
Coronation Street airs Monday to Friday at 8:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
