Well, for reasons no one is quite coming out and discussing, Terrence Howard won’t be reprising his role as Col. James Rhodes in Iron Man 2, Marvel Studios’ next chance to print money. The rest of the core cast is expected to return, from Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark/Iron Man to Gwyneth Paltrow as the improbably named Pepper Potts. But as Iron Man’s genial sidekick, Howard will be replaced by Don Cheadle. THR is reporting that sources close to the deal reported that Howard’s absence can be partly chalked up to a salary dispute, but is Cheadle really cheaper? Sure, they’ve both been nominated for Oscars, but come on: When you’re looking for a black actor between 35-40 who can bring the drama chops as well as comic relief, Howard’s gotta be 30 cents on the dollar.
Anyway, good luck to Cheadle, and never forget that reading is fundamental and shit:
Pretty stupid, Mr. Howard.
Pretty smart, Mr. Cheadle.
Pretty early, Mr. Skitz.
Posted by: Skitz at October 14, 2008 8:11 AM
Nice faux-misquoting there, Mister Carlson...
Posted by: Adere at October 14, 2008 8:30 AM
I wonder if Marvel Studios is being run by idiotic monkeys flinging poo.
They somehow found a way to make one of their B-characters into one of the biggest hits of the summer, commercially and critically. And ever since then, they've been lowballing the entire creative team. First they didn't want to pay Jon Favreau. Now they'd rather hire Don Cheadle than pay Terrence Howard.
And Cheadle is a great actor. But if I'm him, I'm wondering why they wouldn't have just done what most smart studios do and keep as much of the cast and crew together for the sequel/eventual spinoff.
Mmmmm...Black DragonDongDon Cheadle in Iron Man? I'll take it. I'll even forgive his Haggisian associations. Haggisian? Haggistic? Shitty?
Posted by: jM at October 14, 2008 8:45 AM
jM the word your looking for is "Shit-Haggstic," I believe.
Why does Mr. Cheadle look so sad in that picture? It's kind of bumming me out this morning.
Posted by: Kayanne at October 14, 2008 8:51 AM
Yes, but can he pull off War Machine? That's the only thing I care about.
Posted by: Shadows of Dakaron at October 14, 2008 8:54 AM
Maybe this ain't such a bad thing for Terrence, the homoerotic tension in Iron Man was a tad mmmmmm too real.
Seriously I was expecting this line at any moment: Oooh that latest huge missile of yours is soooo dreamy, can I suck you off? SUCK YOU OFF RIGHT NOW! You're out of control! Let me suck you off!!!
Or words to that effect.
Posted by: BarbadoSlim at October 14, 2008 9:02 AM
Not that there's anything wrong with that.
Posted by: BarbadoSlim at October 14, 2008 9:04 AM
Exactly my thoughts, Sofía. I bet it was.
Posted by: Sycamore at October 14, 2008 9:06 AM
But if I'm him, I'm wondering why they wouldn't have just done what most smart studios do and keep as much of the cast and crew together for the sequel/eventual spinoff.
BSlim...I hear regression therapy does wonders for those daytime nightmares.
Posted by: Shadows of Dakaron at October 14, 2008 9:27 AM
I got nothing
it's already 4 pm over here and I just don't have the energy anymore
Posted by: tris at October 14, 2008 9:48 AM
What movie is that clip from? Why don't I know it? Clooney in prison acting all badass, and I haven't seen it?
Posted by: Optimus Rhyme at October 14, 2008 10:09 AM
I felt like Howard was the only one that couldn't pull off his role in that movie anyway. He's like Cuba Gooding Jr., preening and seeming a little impotent (personality-wise, I know he probably goes through two packs of baby wipes a week in the sack).
jm, don't forget that both Howard and Cheadle were in that Haggisian tragedy so really the new choice can't really be worse in that sense.
Posted by: becks at October 14, 2008 10:09 AM
That movie is Out of Sight, it also stars JLO! It was actually okay though.
Posted by: becks at October 14, 2008 10:16 AM
Terrence Howard was fine as Rhodey, but hot damn, Don Cheadle? I'll buy my tickets now if they'll let me.
Posted by: Lucas at October 14, 2008 10:29 AM
Whenever I read about Howard, I kinda get a between-the-lines impression that he's a major asshole, and I wonder if personalities weren't a factor in his replacement.
Frankly, the James Rhodes character struck me as being almost demeaningly subservient, at least in the film. (I haven't read the comics.)
Posted by: Jerce at October 14, 2008 10:29 AM
Iron Man. Overrated.
Don Cheadle rules, though.
Posted by: DarthCorleone at October 14, 2008 10:34 AM
Aw, Out of Sight! I miss the 90s, sigh.
Posted by: VeinsRHiways at October 14, 2008 10:56 AM
I used to actually like Howard, but the more I read about him, the more I am starting to think he is full of himself. And for no good reason. Dude needs to get over himself or he is going to miss the gravy train all together.
That is my favorite scene from Out of Sight. "Reading is fundamental and shit..." I brayed like a fucking donkey in the theater.
Posted by: Alabamapink at October 14, 2008 11:01 AM
This is going to be an awesome change. Howard sucks ass.
Posted by: mark at October 14, 2008 11:32 AM
I thought Hustle & Flow was quite good. Could never say he sucks ass.
Posted by: Optimus Rhyme at October 14, 2008 11:37 AM
Hey, whatever happened to Don Cheadle's Miles Davis biopic? Now that I'd pay money to see...
I thought Terrence Howard was completely wrong for Jim Rhodes in Iron Man. He has a wimpy little voice that sounded like he should be asking what color highlights you want instead of talking to Iron Man.
I like Don Cheadle, but I don't think he's right either, for different reasons. I think the role needs more levity.
Not sure who would be right for it.
Posted by: Drake at October 14, 2008 12:06 PM
I love Don Cheadle and I'd rather watch him in anything than even listen to Terrence Howard. Here's your baby wipes, Bitch!
Posted by: MissNev at October 14, 2008 1:55 PM
Terrence Howard is a fey, pretentious toolbag with serious lady-face.
The only supposedly "hot" celebrity out there that is grosser than him is County Music's Sexiest Special-needs Chihuahua, Kenny Chesney.
Oooh I do love Don Cheadle. Have a bit of a crush on him really, Crash not withstanding. And Terrence Howard always looks half asleep and talks like a really sleazy drunk with a high-pitched voice who wants to get into my pants. And he's not even that good looking, so no thanks weirdo.
Mmmm Cheadle.
Posted by: figgy at October 14, 2008 5:06 PM
Damn, Sofia. You sure do talk pretty.
Posted by: firedmyass at October 14, 2008 5:21 PM
Yeah, I'm assuming Terence Howard's general douchiness was a factor in his replacement.
I hope this isn't going to be another Maggie-Gyllenhaal-as-Rachel Dawes though, where I'm really excited about the casting change (because, come on, Cheadle), and then they end up sucking almost as bad.
Posted by: Mimi at October 14, 2008 5:44 PM
Also - man, I love Out of Sight. And you know what? I also loved the show 'Karen Sisco.' All five or whatever episodes of it. I would have enjoyed having Carla Gugino on my TV every week, but nooooo.
Off to Veoh to hunt down episodes now...
Posted by: Mimi at October 14, 2008 5:48 PM
WTF is Marvel Comics thinking about? Just pay Howard what he wants. These motherfuckers are on the verge of making Warren Buffett type of money and they are willing to blow it all because they refuse to part with a few shekels.
Posted by: Pookie at October 14, 2008 7:56 PM
Really? They really didnt think L.L. Cool J would be a better choice for a "black superhero/comic relief" role?
Posted by: Mike at October 15, 2008 3:52 AM
LL is only wallowed in the movie if he almost dies, or the viewer is made to believe he has...but then he comes back as if nothing happened...two examples...shot point blank in the head- oh it only grazed him. Shark ate 'em - he showed that shark!
LL is king of dying, but not really.
Posted by: WhoWhatWhere at October 15, 2008 5:36 PM
LL is only allowed in the movie if he almost dies, or the viewer is made to believe he has...but then he comes back as if nothing happened - miraculously so.. Two examples...shot point blank in the head - oh it only grazed him. Shark ate 'em - he showed that shark!
LL is king of dying, but not really.
Posted by: WhoWhatWhere at October 15, 2008 5:39 PM
Comic book movies... Pfft. Who's up next? Namor?
Pretty stupid, Mr. Howard.
Pretty smart, Mr. Cheadle.
Pretty early, Mr. Skitz.