‘Star struck moment’: Terrence Howard wows his fans while filming in Kansas City
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Howard filmed scenes just outside the Skelly Building on the Country Club Plaza.
- Howard greeted fans, posed for selfies, and photographed Kansas City content creators.
- Crew transformed portions of the Skelly Building on 47th Street into a working movie set.
Everybody’s gotta have a dream, and for Terrence Howard fans this week it’s taking a selfie with the “Hustle & Flow” actor as he shoots a new movie on the Country Club Plaza.
The Oscar nominee and a crew have been set up at the historic Skelly Building on 47th Street.
According to a Facebook past last week by someone working on the project, Howard is making a movie with “Blue Crush” and “Superman Returns” actress Kate Bosworth.
“There’s been a little extra excitement around the Skelly Building lately,” McDowell Rice Smith & Buchanan law firm wrote in a Facebook post Wednesday.
“Actor Terrence Howard has been filming scenes for his upcoming movie ‘Broken Ones’ just outside our offices, bringing a touch of Hollywood to the Plaza.
“While film productions often create a buzz wherever they go, what has impressed many people most is Howard’s friendliness and professionalism throughout the shoot.”
It’s not every day, the law firm wrote, “that a Hollywood production sets up right outside our front door.”
Judging from the number of selfies fans have posted of themselves with the “Empire” star, Howard is not a celebrity who keeps people at arm’s length.
In fact, he asked one fan, Kansas City content creator LaTochia Diamond, if he could take her picture.
“The Man, The Legend, Mr #Terrence Howard is here in Kansas City and he asked, ‘can I take a picture with you, beautiful?!!!’ I almost fainted y’all!!! OMGEEE!!!! He’s such a kind person,” Diamond wrote in a Facebook post Wednesday.
“The brother is real down to earth. He’s a real good people person and he loves his fans,” fan Iralee French of Kansas City also wrote in a Facebook post.
Not much is known publicly about the movie Howard is filming, though online speculation suggests it could be a sequel to his 2007 vigilante action thriller with Jodie Foster, “The Brave One.”
Howard played a detective investigating Foster, a New York City radio host who turns vigilante seeking revenge after her fiance is beaten to death.
At the time Howard was fresh off a Best Actor Oscar nomination for his portrayal of Memphis hustler/pimp/rapper DJay in the 2005 film, “Hustle & Flow.” DJay’s quote about everybody having a dream is one of the film’s most memorable.
In 2008, Howard played Iron Man Robert Downey Jr.’s friend, Lieutenant Colonel James “Rhodey” Rhodes before Kansas City native Don Cheadle took over the role.
Matt Black, Kansas City’s Andy Reid doppelganger, was on the Plaza Wednesday shooting content with Taylor Swift tribute artist Kelley Thrasher and local Will Ferrell impersonator David Babcock when they saw the movie set.
“We noticed some cameras and figured someone was shooting a commercial,” Black told The Star. “When we saw him walk out we all had that star struck moment as he is a very recognizable person.”
They didn’t want to bother him while he worked, so they waited to approach him. “I had no idea he might invite us down and have a quick conversation with us. It was just so much fun,” said Black.
“He was a real honorable gentleman to come out and say hello ... we laughed, and he was a great sport. I asked him if he had any plays for the upcoming (NFL) season I could add to my play sheet and I could tell he may not be a Chiefs fan.
“I love living in KC so much and for him to take time with us was a real treat.”
Black said Howard’s “jaw dropped for a moment” when he met Thrasher, dressed in full Swift regalia and makeup.
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This is the second summer in a row the Plaza has hosted a film crew.
Last summer Jason Sudeikis brought his “Ted Lasso” co-stars to Kansas City to film the first episode of Season 4 of the Apple TV+ hit series. It debuts Aug. 5.
“Despite spending long hours outdoors in temperatures approaching 90 degrees — and doing so while dressed in a suit — Howard has remained gracious and approachable, taking time to acknowledge passers-by, exchange greetings, and make the experience memorable for those fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of the production,” the law firm reported on Facebook.
“The cast and crew have transformed portions of the Skelly Building into a working movie set, creating a unique backdrop for the workday and showcasing Kansas City’s growing appeal as a destination for film and television projects.
“With the city continuing to attract national attention and preparing to welcome World Cup visitors this month, it’s exciting to see another major production choosing Kansas City as its stage.”
Howard fortified his everyman persona when he visited Panera during a break. An employee filmed him filling up one of the restaurant’s for-here ceramic cups at the coffee bar.
“I will bring this back ... I’m right outside the window,” Howard promised employees, holding up the cup.
Said the employee filming him: “You can have it!”
This story was originally published June 4, 2026 at 10:34 AM.
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