In 2008, Rockwell played James Reston Jr. in the Ron Howard-Peter Morgan film, Frost/Nixon. On January 7, 2009, The Hollywood Reporter reported that Rockwell and Mickey Rourke were in negotiations to play villains in Iron Man 2. The Marvel Comics sequel will be directed by Jon FavreauTHR: Rourke, Rockwell Circle Iron Man 2 (January 7, 2009)

• "I went to D.C. twice to meet with Jim Reston and interviewed him before we started filming. He's still very passionate when he talks about Nixon and the time in which this story takes place. It's a really juicy supporting role."—Sam RockwellBroadway World: Sam Rockwell as James Reston, Jr (December 16, 2008)

• "Sam Rockwell has emerged as one of the most dynamic actors of his generation by continuing to take on challenging roles in both independent and studio productions."—Broadway WorldBroadway World: Sam Rockwell as James Reston, Jr (December 16, 2008)

• "No matter their initial surprise at the film's (Choke) tone, even the Palahniuk die-hards will admit that Sam Rockwell is perfectly cast as the heroic anti-hero."—Filter MagazineFilter: Flicker - Choke (December 15, 2008)