Iron Man 2: Cheadle replaces Terrence Howard

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Terrence Howard is getting the boot in Iron Man 2, in favor of Don Cheadle. You'll remember Howard as Jim Rhodes, the character who, in the comics at least, becomes Iron Man's besuited pal War Machine and, in later years, takes over the iron outfit himself. So why the change?

Marvel did not comment on the deal, but sources apparently say there were financial differences, for one, which is tough to picture, since both men are Oscar-winning big boys. They also say Marvel initially wanted Cheadle, but moved to Howard after taking the role in another direction. If by that they mean cutting Rhodes' character down to almost nothing, then mission accomplished.

Rhodes will be a bigger part of the sequel, the Hollywood Reporter says, since a new screenplay by Justin Theroux expands the story, which needed a little expanding. But with director Jon Favreau back and Robert Downey Jr. and Gwyneth Paltrow expected to return, we always hate it when they break up the cast, as if we can't tell it's a different person. But we'll save that soapbox for Spider-Man 4.

[Photo: Getty Images]

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Comments

[Willy Wonka]

ironman was pretty good and im really excited for the upcoming movies given the way 'ironman' and edward norton in 'the hulk' ended.. but 'the dark knight' really was movie of the year, especially with ledger's ridiculous performance. you really cheated yourself by not seeing it. if you look at imdb there's really no question as to which is the better of the two:

The Dark Knight (2008): 9.1/10
Ironman (2008): 8.1/10

and.. The Dark Knight has almost 2.5 times the voting. so..

"YOU LOSE! its all there! black and white! clear as crystal! you drank fizzy lifting drink and touched the ceiling, which now has to be sterilized! you lose! GOOD DAY SIR!"

[Pepper Potts]

As queen of sexy, 'The Dark Knight' turned me on like no other.

[Selina Kyle]

LOL - That's awesome... a Danny Bateman reference from 'The Replacements' -- you've come a long way, Jon Favreau. The Dark Knight rocked.

[Joe Kerr]

I am a huge Iron Man fan, and I think Cheadle would be great in anything, including War Machine. If there was a weak role in the movie, it was Terrance Howard, so this will be great. However, 'movie of the year' doesn't work here. This was the year of Dark Knight, hands down. I'm glad to see Bateman could helm a movie that could come in # 2, and if he is gonna get second, I'm glad it's to a great Batman movie like Dark Knight.

[Carrie]

Mike - you missed out. The Dark Knight is nothing like the other Batmans. I liked both movies.

[Mike]

Sorry Bruce, but DMS is right. Batman has been done. over and over again. I didnt even bother watching Dark Night, and i coulda seen it for free many times over. I am waiting with anticipation for Iron Man 2, although i am kind of disapointed with the cast change up. I enjoyed Howards performance, albeit a short one. Don Cheadle just doesnt strike me as the 'War Machine' type of guy.

[Bruce Wayne]

Sorry, DMS. 'Iron Man' was good and all with props going out to Robert Downey, Jr. as Tony Stark and good job to Jon Favreau for redeeming himself from 'Zathura', but it was only Second Best... 'The Dark Knight' was THE movie of the year.

[DMS]

'Iron Man' was movie of the year.