Due to reported trouble reaching a financial contract, Terrence Howard will not be reprising his role as Jim Rhodes in the upcoming IRON MAN 2, per THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER. Don Cheadle will replace Howard, joining Jon Favreau as director, an expected Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark/Iron Man and an expected Gwyneth Paltrow as Stark's assistant, Pepper Potts.
Rhodes is Stark's best friend and will be featured as the armor-clad hero War Machine in the next film. A scene in the first IRON MAN that featured Howard seeing a silver suit of armor and saying, "Next time," caused fans enjoyment.
Rhodes will play a bigger part in the sequel, being penned by Justin Theroux (TROPIC THUNDER).
Marvel did not comment to the REPORTER about the development, but sources close to the deal said negotiations with Howard fell apart over financial differences and other reasons. Marvel had wanted to work Cheadle, and decided to approach him to replace Howard.
Cheadle, 43, starred in TRAITOR and will star in the upcoming HOTEL FOR DOGS.
