The Story of Howard the Duck
Howard the Duck is a fictional anthropomorphic duck created by Marvel Comics. He first appeared in Adventure into Fear #19 in December 1973, and was created by writer Steve Gerber and artist Val Mayerik. Howard was initially created as a minor character, but he quickly gained popularity and was given his own comic book series in 1976. Howard the Duck is a witty and eccentric character who has become a cult favorite among Marvel fans. He is a humanoid duck who lives in a world populated by talking animals and is often portrayed as a private investigator, adventurer, and occasional superhero.
Howard the Duck Movie
In 1986, a live-action film adaptation of Howard the Duck was released. The movie was directed by Willard Huyck and produced by George Lucas. The film starred Lea Thompson, Tim Robbins, and Jeffrey Jones, and featured Howard the Duck as the main character. The movie was a critical and commercial failure, with many critics and audiences panning the film for its poor execution and lack of faithfulness to the comic book source material. Despite this, the film has developed a cult following over the years and is often cited as a prime example of a “so bad it’s good” movie.
The Actors who Played Howard the Duck
The question of who played Howard the Duck in the movie is one that has been asked by many fans over the years. In the film, Howard was brought to life using a combination of puppetry and animatronics. The person who controlled the movements and facial expressions of the Howard puppet was actor Ed Gale.
Ed Gale – The Man Behind the Duck
Ed Gale was born on August 23, 1963, in Plainfield, Illinois. He is an American actor, stuntman, and stunt coordinator who has appeared in over 50 films and television shows. Gale is best known for his work as a stunt double and puppeteer, and for his role as Howard the Duck in the 1986 film. Gale began his career in the entertainment industry as a child actor, appearing in commercials and television shows. He later transitioned into stunt work and puppeteering, and he quickly gained a reputation as one of the best in the business. In addition to his work on Howard the Duck, Gale has also worked on films such as Child’s Play, Spaceballs, and The Nutty Professor.
The Challenges of Playing Howard the Duck
Playing Howard the Duck was no easy task for Ed Gale. The Howard puppet was incredibly complex, requiring multiple puppeteers to operate the various parts of the body and face. Gale had to wear a full-body suit and was often confined to a small space while operating the puppet. Despite the challenges, Gale was able to bring Howard to life in a way that captivated audiences and helped to make the character a cult favorite. Gale’s performance as Howard was praised by many critics, who noted his ability to bring humor and heart to the role.
The Legacy of Howard the Duck
Despite the failure of the Howard the Duck movie, the character has continued to be a beloved part of the Marvel Universe. Howard has appeared in numerous comic book series and has even been a member of the Avengers at various points. In recent years, Howard has also made appearances in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He appeared in a post-credit scene of Guardians of the Galaxy in 2014 and had a small role in Avengers: Endgame in 2019.
The Importance of Howard the Duck
Howard the Duck may seem like a silly and inconsequential character, but he has had a significant impact on the world of comics and pop culture. Howard was one of the first characters to break the fourth wall and directly address the reader, paving the way for other characters like Deadpool. Howard has also been a symbol of rebellion and counterculture, representing a rejection of the mainstream and a celebration of individuality. His irreverent humor and biting satire have made him a favorite among fans who appreciate his unique perspective on the world.
Conclusion
In the end, the question of who played Howard the Duck in the movie is one that may not have a straightforward answer. While Ed Gale was the actor who controlled the puppet, it was truly a team effort to bring the character to life. Regardless of who played Howard, the character has become an important part of the Marvel Universe and a beloved icon of pop culture. His legacy continues to inspire and entertain fans around the world, and his irreverent humor and unique perspective will continue to be appreciated for years to come.
