There had been rumors coming out of the "Iron Man" camp that Terrence Howard was not going to be reprising his role as James "Rhodey" Rhodes in the sequel, and that Marvel Studios already had a replacement in mind. When we asked Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige about it, he gave us a polite "no comment", but now the brass is ready to confirm what everyone already knew:
Don Cheadle is James "Rhodey" Rhodes.
Now, the reasons for the switch are not known. Some claim Howard demanded more money, and that Marvel wasn't willing to pony up, but the actor himself claimed he had no idea there was a dispute of any kind. In fact, he claims he was shocked by the news that he wouldn't be making good on his "next time, baby" promise in some slick War Machine armor. Instead, "Ocean's Thirteen" star Cheadle gets to slip into the gun-metal duds.
So what happened? Fans seemed to like Howard's take on the role. Was he secretly a pain in the ass, or did Marvel bait-and-switch him? We'll never know, but for what it's worth, here's Marvel's official statement:
DON CHEADLE WILL STAR AS RHODEY IN IRON MAN 2
Marvel Studios is pleased today to confirm that an agreement has been finalized with award-winning actor Don Cheadle to take on the role of Colonel James "Rhodey" Rhodes in Marvel's IRON MAN 2 due in theaters on May 7, 2010. In casting Cheadle, Marvel replaces Terrence Howard who appeared in the role of Rhodey in IRON MAN.
Cheadle is also signed on to perform the same role in THE AVENGERS and subsequent installments of the IRON MAN franchise.
"We are very excited about working with the extraordinarily talented Don Cheadle as we expand the role of Rhodey in Iron Man 2. It has already become apparent as we prep the movie for production, that the dynamic between Robert and Don will take Iron Man 2 to new heights," said Kevin Feige, President of Marvel Studios.
Cheadle is best known for his Oscar® nominated lead performance in HOTEL RWANDA as well as his role as Basher Tarr in the OCEAN'S franchise, CRASH and SWORDFISH.
Based on Marvel's iconic Super Hero, IRON MAN 2 continues the story of this summer's box office blockbuster IRON MAN, the first feature film produced independently by Marvel Studios. IRON MAN 2 will be produced by Marvel Studios' President, Kevin Feige, and executive produced by Louis D'Esposito, Jon Favreau, Stan Lee, David Maisel and Denis Stewart.
In a movie event, THE AVENGERS will bring together the super hero team of Marvel Comics characters for the first time ever, including Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, the Hulk and more, as they are forced to band together to battle the biggest foe they've ever faced.
The highly anticipated sequel to IRON MAN will be released in theatres on May 7, 2010 and THE AVENGERS will be released July 15, 2011. Both films will be distributed by Paramount Pictures.
Cheadle is represented by UTA. Downey and Favreau are represented by CAA.
Don Cheadle is James "Rhodey" Rhodes.
Now, the reasons for the switch are not known. Some claim Howard demanded more money, and that Marvel wasn't willing to pony up, but the actor himself claimed he had no idea there was a dispute of any kind. In fact, he claims he was shocked by the news that he wouldn't be making good on his "next time, baby" promise in some slick War Machine armor. Instead, "Ocean's Thirteen" star Cheadle gets to slip into the gun-metal duds.
So what happened? Fans seemed to like Howard's take on the role. Was he secretly a pain in the ass, or did Marvel bait-and-switch him? We'll never know, but for what it's worth, here's Marvel's official statement:
DON CHEADLE WILL STAR AS RHODEY IN IRON MAN 2
Marvel Studios is pleased today to confirm that an agreement has been finalized with award-winning actor Don Cheadle to take on the role of Colonel James "Rhodey" Rhodes in Marvel's IRON MAN 2 due in theaters on May 7, 2010. In casting Cheadle, Marvel replaces Terrence Howard who appeared in the role of Rhodey in IRON MAN.
Cheadle is also signed on to perform the same role in THE AVENGERS and subsequent installments of the IRON MAN franchise.
"We are very excited about working with the extraordinarily talented Don Cheadle as we expand the role of Rhodey in Iron Man 2. It has already become apparent as we prep the movie for production, that the dynamic between Robert and Don will take Iron Man 2 to new heights," said Kevin Feige, President of Marvel Studios.
Cheadle is best known for his Oscar® nominated lead performance in HOTEL RWANDA as well as his role as Basher Tarr in the OCEAN'S franchise, CRASH and SWORDFISH.
Based on Marvel's iconic Super Hero, IRON MAN 2 continues the story of this summer's box office blockbuster IRON MAN, the first feature film produced independently by Marvel Studios. IRON MAN 2 will be produced by Marvel Studios' President, Kevin Feige, and executive produced by Louis D'Esposito, Jon Favreau, Stan Lee, David Maisel and Denis Stewart.
In a movie event, THE AVENGERS will bring together the super hero team of Marvel Comics characters for the first time ever, including Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, the Hulk and more, as they are forced to band together to battle the biggest foe they've ever faced.
The highly anticipated sequel to IRON MAN will be released in theatres on May 7, 2010 and THE AVENGERS will be released July 15, 2011. Both films will be distributed by Paramount Pictures.
Cheadle is represented by UTA. Downey and Favreau are represented by CAA.