The Blot is really bummed by this latest development. I thought Howard was awesome as Tony Stark’s best friend Jim Rhodes and was really looking forward to his eventual dawning of the War Machine armor in Iron Man 2. But alas that is to be no more. Not many details are known but the Hollywood Reporter is reporting the split was over “financial differences.” (link) Evidently Marvel Studios had wanted to work with Cheadle all along, and when a rift started to form between the studio and Howard they jumped at the chance to take the role of War Machine away from one Academy Award nominee and give it to another. (link)
Don’t get me wrong, Cheadle is an amazing actor but in my opinion Howard is a better fit for the role of Tony Stark’s hot headed partner-in-armor, especially when you have to act opposite the great Robert Downey, Jr. Regardless, I am positive director Jon Favreau will make sure Iron Man 2 is just as good, if not better, than the original. Nevertheless, The Blot is still hoping this is just a negotiating ploy (ala Toby Maguire and Spider-Man 3) to get Terrence Howard signed on for the sequel but at a lower asking price.
