Iron Man 2 is undergoing some major Rhodes works. Ahem.
In casting news that has shocked and stunned the world, Terrence Howard will no longer be playing Tony Stark’s right-hand man, Jim Rhodes, in Marvel’s mega-sequel. He’s exited left, pursued by bear, with Don Cheadle coming in to replace him as the future War Machine.
The Hollywood Reporter is saying that Howard departed after a disagreement over finances. It’s a shame, as now he was a good Rhodey – he was upright, charismatic, with a hint of swagger – and now will never be able to deliver on his famous line from the first Iron Man – “next time, baby” – by squeezing into the armour.
But, as Steven Soderbergh once said, if you can put Don Cheadle in your movie, put Don Cheadle in your movie. Advice we’re glad to see that Iron Man 2’s director, Jon ‘Favreau’ Favs has taken, especially considering the rumour that Rhodey will have a larger part to play this time around.
Justin Theroux is currently writing the screenplay, with filming set to start sometime next year.