Iskandar Djamal, or commonly known as Iskander, is a fictional character in the 1996 American science fiction film Armageddon. He is played by Tom Arnold. The character was based on Soviet Marshal Yevgeny Shaposhnikov, who was later director of the KGB, Minister of Defense, and Chairman of the USSR's Council of Ministers. Also the character was based on the Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev, a rival of Stalin. In Soviet popular culture, Iskander is referred to as "The Arm's-man" (the Russian colloquialism for a trusted subordinate or "oarsman").
Initially, Arnold wanted to play the role of Iskander's son, but the casting department wanted the actor who portrayed the character in The Patriot. Arnold made sure that his son was available to play the role of his son.
Arnold had some ideas for Iskander's psychology, focusing on his loyalty and love for Khrushchev, and the fact that Iskander will sacrifice everything to do anything for the "boss". Arnold also suggested that Iskander was a talented organiser, and that he was the one who organised the "bomb in the belly" of the Russian submarine in the final battle.
Arnold's character also fought in Operation Arkangel, as the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.
Arnold was chosen for the role over other actors because he was the only actor who could do the martial arts that Iskander had to perform.
Mark Ivanir (Snowden, 24) - Unknown
Johnny Rega (The Informant, 19)
Jimmy Irani (Fast Food Fast Women, 2)
Sally Marr (Teeth)
Danielle Modolo (Echoes)
Samantha Smith (Fist Fight)
Matt Farmer (Project Almanac)
Alberto Alyssa (Ice Age: Collision Course)
Nikki Hartman (Crash)
Chris Berube (The Grudge)
Bjorn Wells (Alien)
Elle Paley (Ant-Man)
Chris Sanders (Ice Age: The Meltdown)
David Leitch (John Wick)
Dylan Cole (Ghosts of Girlfriends Past)
Mark Ivanir (Zero Dark Thirty)
Arielle Kebbel (Divergent)
Carey Morgan (The Lazarus Effect ac619d1d87
Related links: