Don Cheadle Replaces Terrence Howard In 'Iron Man 2'

Access Hollywood - October 14, 2008 10:56 AM PDT
Story photo: Don Cheadle Replaces Terrence Howard In 'Iron Man 2'Access Hollywood

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- It appears Robert Downey Jr. is about to get a new sidekick.

Don Cheadle is replacing Terrence Howard in "Iron Man 2," according to The Hollywood Reporter.

VIEW THE PHOTOS: Scenes From 'Iron Man'

In "Iron Man," the 2008 summer blockbuster from Marvel Studios, Howard played Jim Rhodes - friend and confidant to Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.). But now, Cheadle will replace Howard, who has reportedly had financial differences with the studio, among other reasons, The Hollywood Reporter claims.

When contacted by Access Hollywood, a rep for Paramount Studios (which distributed "Iron Man") would not confirm the casting change.

VIEW THE PHOTOS: Gwyneth Paltrow

Cheadle would step into the role of the military man Rhodes, who is also set to step into his own armored suit as fellow hero War Machine.

In a scene from "Iron Man," Howard sees the War Machine armored suit and utters the fan favorite line, "Next time baby."

During an interview to promote the first film, Howard sat down with Access Hollywood to talk about his role, the sequel and a possible spin-off for his character.

VIEW THE PHOTOS: 12 Movies For 2008

"I've never been a part of a big budget film before. Knowing that I can now, like Gwyneth Paltrow, do ten independent films over the next five years, because guess what, perhaps I've got a three-picture deal," Howard told Access. "I've never had a three-picture deal, where I'm going to make 'X' amount of money in two years, and two years from that make 'X' amount of money and maybe have my own spin-off as War Machine."

Howard also said that "Iron Man" producers cast him as Rhodes before they had Downey pegged as the lead character, due in part to the vision the studio had for the Rhodes/War Machine character.

"It's not because Terrence Howard is such a great actor. It's because they had in mind a progression of where they wanted to go [with Rhodes]," Howard added. "I'm in a great position."

While Howard may be out, the rest of the film's major players are expected to be back for the sequel - Robert Downey Jr. will return as Tony Stark/Iron Man; Gwyneth Paltrow returns as Stark's right-hand woman Pepper Potts; and Jon Favreau will once again direct the film.

Related Content from AccessHollywood.com:
PLAY IT NOW: Terrence Howard Talks 'Iron Man' Sequel & Spin-Off (April 27, 2008)
PLAY IT NOW: Deleted 'Iron Man' Scene: Tony Stark Hits The Roulette Table

MORE ACCESS ON THESE TOPICS: Iron Man - Movies - TV One - Casting Call

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  • delym
    i think both are good actor,but 2 me terrance,is more humorous.
    report abuseposted May 14, 2009 1:06 PM PDT
  • un_mestizo
    I think the change was a big mistake and will cost the franchise dearly. I normally like Cheadle over Howard, but the chemistry in the first Iron Man was as close to perfect as I have ever seen in a super hero movie. The swap kinda spoiled it for me.
    report abuseposted April 27, 2009 11:59 PM PDT
  • thailuan
    It's a free trade things. They'll hire the someone does the same job for less! Maybe "Iron man 3" will be a Chinese actor! Then, the title would be "Ironic man 3" !!!
    report abuseposted April 24, 2009 12:01 PM PDT
  • petro
    I don't agree that Howard is the better actor, both of them are very talented. But i do agree that the movie shouldn't be tampered with. he was perfect for the part. PAY THE MAN!!!!!!
    report abuseposted April 24, 2009 11:13 AM PDT
  • NJ
    Howard is right.. What comes around goes around. I am really considering starting a boycott
    report abuseposted April 24, 2009 11:12 AM PDT
  • Marcy R
    they shouldn't change any actors for any sequel keep Terrence Howard his a better actor and better looking too.
    report abuseposted April 24, 2009 10:22 AM PDT
  • Diana
    I really liked Howard in the role. Why doesn't hollywood leave well enough alone. It was like in the third "Mummy" when they decided to change Evie...are we not supposed to notice?
    report abuseposted April 24, 2009 9:28 AM PDT
  • mariah32817
    I cant believe they are replacing Terrence Howard in IronMan 2 thats BS I dont think they should replace the actors in the sequels He is such a talented actor and he was great in the first one . the movie is not going to be the same without him. any way its there lost
    report abuseposted April 24, 2009 9:24 AM PDT
  • Kristin P
    Its funny ya know? all the time movies come out and the first is usually fantastic and then the sequel comes out and it is lame..... and here goes Marvel following the same pattern. I dont think the movie companes will ever learn not to screw with things espcially when it was already a great movie...
    report abuseposted April 24, 2009 5:03 AM PDT
  • fabin513
    Prediction - Lots of flashy special effects. Lame story. Wait for the DVD.
    report abuseposted April 24, 2009 1:56 AM PDT
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