Why Did Marvel Recast Rhodes in Iron Man 2?

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Why Did Marvel Recast Rhodes in Iron Man 2?

November 1, 2008

Why did Marvel Studios recast Col. Jim Rhodes in Iron Man 2? The surprise announcement that Don Cheadle was taking over the role from Terrence Howard in the sequel (and now The Avengers) left many fans wondering what happened. Entertainment Weekly has an article possibly explaining how this came to be:

Hollywood insiders believe the exit stems from Terrence Howard's difficult behavior on the set of Iron Man. But those with intimate knowledge of the situation suggest a far more dramatic backstory: Howard was the first actor signed to the film and, on top of that, was the highest-paid. That's right: more than Gwyneth Paltrow. More than Jeff Bridges. More than Robert Downey Jr. And once the project fully came together, it was too late to renegotiate his deal. It didn't help that, according to one source, Favreau and his producers were ultimately unhappy with Howard's performance, and spent a lot of time cutting and reshooting his scenes. (Favreau could not be reached for comment, while Howard's publicist says: ''Terrence had a tremendous experience working on Iron Man.'')

You can read the full article here.

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Posted by: Denizen on November 1, 2008 at 08:34:56

That's a shame. While I'm a big fan of Don Cheadle, I thought Terrence Howard was great in Iron Man. I hadn't heard of any difficulties on set, though, and usually stuff like that leaks out.

Posted by: gogogo on November 1, 2008 at 08:35:02

so, he got a sweet deal....and wanted to keep it.

Posted by: MHR75 on November 1, 2008 at 08:37:30

He shouldn't have been paid more than the lead role. He was hardly even in the movie and didn't have much of an impact in it.

Posted by: Toon on November 1, 2008 at 08:41:06

I mean a lot of people were really upset to here Howard was replaced but when I heard it was Cheadle, I really did'nt care cause Don Cheadle in my opion is a better Actor- Boogie Nights, Colors...I thought it was just about money( it kind ofis anyway : ) )Not saying the war machine character is'nt important. cause it is.... but it's not like there replacing Robert D. And he was getting paid more then him, bridges, and Paltrow thats kind of weird. Anyway Iron man 2 and Avengers will be amazing Cheadle will definatley not ruin it but only make it Better.......It's hard out there for a pimp......sorry howard : (

Posted by: Tatious on November 1, 2008 at 08:44:49

At first I was kind of annoyed that Howard had been cut (be it his decision or the studios) but then I rewatched the film and as much as I like Howard (and I do) I don't feel he has the gravitas to play the role of Rhodey (maybe its just because thanks to the 90s cartoon I hear James Averys voice when I think of him)

I think Don Cheadle can be good, hes not as physically menacing as I'd like, but then why would he need to be if he's in a massive suit of technologically advanced armour.

Still, sucks, I hate recasting in franchise movies.

Posted by: BG on November 1, 2008 at 08:52:35

Just like "Entourage." The drama is all over hollywood. We just see the end project, we hardly ever hear about all the BS that happens when a movie is being put together.

Posted by: Iron Guy on November 1, 2008 at 08:56:03

It's just like recasting Katie Holmes in TDK. I HATE IT WHEN THAT HAPPENS!

Posted by: John on November 1, 2008 at 08:56:18

i am fine with cheadle he one me over in the "OCEAN'S" movies i loved the 'WHERE BARNEY-ED" line

Posted by: oversoul on November 1, 2008 at 08:57:25

I don't think I care really. While Howard wasn't bad he didn't blow me away like Downey and Bridges did. Cheadle is a great actor and should kick some ass in the role. Howard didn't give many dimensions to Rhodey, whether that was him or the edit I don't know but I trust Favreau and the Marvel team, I don't think they would get rid of him if it wasn't for the good of the movie

Posted by: oversoul on November 1, 2008 at 09:01:25

To Iron Guy: Katie Holmes ate balls, and not in a good way.

Posted by: chris on November 1, 2008 at 09:03:22

well that explains a lot. as long as they keep nortin as hulk i think the fans me included will all be fine and marvel is awesome. more X-MEN AND HULK SMASH !!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: J. Jonah Hexas Texas on November 1, 2008 at 09:04:36

TWELVTH!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Honest Fan on November 1, 2008 at 09:20:58

Entertainers don't seem to live in the real world. I understand that they work hard for a few months, and have to memorize lines, and go through hours of make-up, etc... However, let these people come and work my job for a few days. When they whine and complain about how much they're getting paid and can't "get along" with co-workers, it makes me want to yawn a rainbow. Don't get me wrong, Terrance did a great job, but seriously, are you really going to miss him? If he's a pain in the butt to work with, lose him. Did he steal every scene he was in? Absolutely not. Is his minor role relplaceable? Absolutely. The recast of Cheadle will be just fine. They went out and got one of the best African-American actors we have today to fill this role, we will all be more than satisfied, I'm sure. Favreau has proven himself to be an incredible 'guy at the helm' in every possible way: His 'eye' for a shot, his writing, his humor, his editing, and most obviously his casting. Again, I want to remind people of how truly blessed we are to have the movie-makers we have today doing our favorite characters. There was a day, not too long ago, when we had to suffer with crapola like "Lois & Clark" and a Spider-Man who wore a huge utility belt, had window-screen eyes, shot white ropes at Japanese limo-drivers, and even then was only seen for 37 seconds during a 2 hour made-for-TV-movie piece of garbage. You truly can't complain. I say, bring on Iron Man 2, Avengers, and way more of the Incredible Hulk!

Posted by: TheOracle8191 on November 1, 2008 at 09:39:12

Why does everyone keep saying Howard was great in Iron Man? A brick could've given a better performance!! His lines were just dry and emotionless. It was as if someone off the streets was paid $40 to read from the script. He's no big loss at all.

Posted by: I Ron Butterfly on November 1, 2008 at 09:41:11

With no facts, I assumed Cheadle used his pull to get himself into a winning franchise. Howard always comes across as really laid back, and his scenes all worked, so I never would have guessed what this report says.

Posted by: darker knight on November 1, 2008 at 09:47:51

Well if that's the case then...Yeah! kick his A$$ out. How can he be making more than the lead role?

Well, I still hate re-casting coz it sux when they do that but I guess we should give cheadle a chance. Who knows he might just have us 4get about Howard.

Posted by: hulkrules on November 1, 2008 at 09:48:56

Howard was over rated, in all the deleted scenes he was in they were terrible. That just shows that Favreau did a great job of editing and I'm glad for the recast

Posted by: Wade WIlson on November 1, 2008 at 10:00:30

I wish the article would clarify Robert’s back loaded contract which is standard for all his films due to his previous troubles. Terrance may have made a good deal more than Robert up front he did not make near the money Robert will when all is said and done.
I believe this is a smear campaign against Terrence for refusing to renegotiate. From all I have read I am lead to believe Marvel wanted to group his pay together meaning part of his pay for two would have been given to him in part 1, Terrence I would guess assumed since IM out preformed even the wildest expectations he would get a piece of that moving forward or at least maintain his previous contract.

Posted by: Marvel Fan on November 1, 2008 at 10:08:46

Blair Underwood is Rhodey Rhodes. Cheadle is not physically imposing enough for Rhodes in my opinion.

Posted by: Step on November 1, 2008 at 10:12:52

Howard has always been an over rated actor. Unfortunately he started believing his own hype when he started getting wider attention for his pimp-movie, another laughable effort. He definitely is a diva and was the worst part of the Iron Man movie. I am probably the biggest Cheadle fan there is, but would still have liked to have seen some continuity within the story. Oh well- less money to the actors mean more money to the production. I'll take it.

Posted by: MarshallMan on November 1, 2008 at 10:13:32

Wonder why they didn't get Cuba Gooding Jr? He's an excellent actor (Jerry MacGuire), he's tall enough, and he looks alot like Howard. Anyway, I love Cheadle too. Buck Swope, Basher, and tons of other great roles. He'll be great as 'War Machine'!

Posted by: Jaylin on November 1, 2008 at 10:22:14

Really just dont understand why Robert Downey Jr doesnt just play Rhodes himself. He's already shown he can pass for a black man.

Play the dude playing the dude disguised as another dude...again.

Posted by: MR.PITYtheFOOL on November 1, 2008 at 10:39:20

Jaylin STF^Yes tropic thunder was awesome but get real.

Posted by: Gary "the retard" Duvall on November 1, 2008 at 10:45:03

Thats for all you bi-tches that were asking why, why, wa wa wa,why change him wa wa wa!
Shut the f up!

Posted by: The T1Tz on November 1, 2008 at 11:02:55

I have never like Howard. I think his voice is extremely feminine. Just watch the scene in Iron Man when he goes into Stark's house to check on him and he's screaming "Tony!Tony!" He sounds so much like a female cheerleader, not a BadAss military man set to slap on an iron suit and be called "War Machine."

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