06/03/2026
Hollywood Visits the Skelly Building: Terrence Howard Filming Broken Ones on the Plaza in Kansas City
There's been a little extra excitement around the Skelly Building lately.
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.
Known for acclaimed roles in Crash, Ray, and the television hit Empire, Howard has built a distinguished career spanning decades. Many moviegoers also remember him as James "Rhodey" Rhodes in the original Iron Man film and for his Academy Award-nominated performance in Hustle & Flow.
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 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.
For those of us at McDowell Rice, it's not every day that a Hollywood production sets up right outside our front door. Watching Broken Ones come to life in the shadow of the historic Skelly Building has been a fun and unexpected reminder that the Plaza continues to be a place where exciting things happen in Kansas City.