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NEW WAR MACHINE IN IRON MAN II

Started by akaSteveRogers,

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akaSteveRogers

akaSteveRogers

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Howard Says Being Replaced Was 'Surprise of a Lifetime'

by Matt McDaniel | October 21, 2008

 

Many people were stunned by the news last week that Don Cheadle, and not Terrence Howard, would be playing the role of James "Rhodey" Rhodes in "Iron Man 2." None more so, apparently, than Terrence Howard himself.

 

Howard recently spoke to NPR to promote his first album, "Shine Through It," and the topic of being replaced in the sequel to the hugely popular comic book adaptation came about. And the Oscar-nominated actor sounded as confused as anyone about the rationale behind the change.

 

"It was the surprise of a lifetime. There was no explanation, [it] just up and vanished. And I read something in the trades that implicated it was about money... but apparently the contracts that we write and sign aren't worth the paper that they're printed on sometimes. And promises aren't kept, and good faith negotiations aren't always held up."

 

Marvel Studios, who produced "Iron Man," offered no comment when the story originally broke. But The Hollywood Reporter spoke to sources who stated that negotiations with the actor "fell through over financial differences," which Howard disputes.

 

The announcement especially confused fans of the comic book since it is widely believed the character of Rhodey will have a bigger part in the sequel. Towards the end of the first film, Rhodes looked at Tony Stark's second attempt at the Iron Man armor, the silver "Mark II" version, and said to himself, "Next time, baby." This was a hint that Rhodes would get his own armor, just like he did in the comics. His upgraded and more heavily armed suit goes by the name War Machine, and concept designs for the character have already been created.

 

Don Cheadle, an Oscar nominee in his own right, has not issued a statement about the casting. Cheadle and Howard both appeared in the 2005 Best Picture winner "Crash." Robert Downey Jr. and Gwyneth Paltrow are both expected to return for the sequel, as is director Jon Favreau.

 

For his part, Howard doesn't seem to be holding onto any grudges. He is touring in support of his album, a collection of self-penned, jazz-inspired tunes on which he sings and plays guitar. He told NPR he is trying to hold onto the calm nature he developed growing up in a tough neighborhood.

 

"I found a peacefulness in me, though, that -- even in getting slapped when I was a little kid, when I would get attacked -- even though I was strong enough to stop it I would never hit back, back then... Even now, I didn't hit back."

 

"Iron Man 2" is scheduled to open May 7, 2010.

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VintageComics

VintageComics

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I like Cheedle, but for consistency's sake, I'd prefer if they left Howard in place. He did a fine job of the role by my estimation, but whatever I guess...

 

I agree. He obviously would have done the role...why the change?

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Subliminal

Subliminal

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I like Cheedle, but for consistency's sake, I'd prefer if they left Howard in place. He did a fine job of the role by my estimation, but whatever I guess...

 

I concur. There is no reason to make this replacement and it only lends credence to the stories that Marvel wants to lowball the talent that has been instrumental in creating this hit to try to wring more dollars out of sequels with the threat of replacing those who don't accept what they offer.

 

Perhaps this talent replacement move is a shot across the bow to Jon Favreau and Robert Downey hm

 

 

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djpinkpanther67

djpinkpanther67

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Terence Howard said in an interview before Iron Man was released that he was excited about taking the role because he would be one of the first "Black Superheroes" in a blockbuster motion picture (looking ahead to IM2), One of the reasons why he auditioned for the role in the first place...

I thought he was perfect for the part

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VintageComics

VintageComics

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Terence Howard said in an interview before Iron Man was released that he was excited about taking the role because he would be one of the first "Black Superheroes" in a blockbuster motion picture (looking ahead to IM2), One of the reasons why he auditioned for the role in the first place...

I thought he was perfect for the part

 

Yup. He looks the part. Cheadle is a terrific actor but looks nothing like Rhodes. Hollywood again.

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JLA_ALL_THE_WAY

JLA_ALL_THE_WAY

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Sorry guys, but I felt he was the weakest of the characters. I've enjoyed Terrence in other films & believe he did his best, but no. My vision of Rhodes based on my readings of the comic is bigger, gruffer, more extroverted. And not just physically, but personality/attitude... especially his voice; he's got the same problem that Bale has with Batman: too weak-sounding.

 

Regardless, if Marvel made promises, they should keep them.

 

Rick

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