As some of you may already know, the role of Col. James “Rhodey” Rhodes has been re-cast. For those who don’t know what I’m talking about, here is a brief recap.
It started with whispers two weeks ago that Terrance Howard was out as Rhodes. The whispers got louder, and it has since been confirmed. Terrance Howard out, Don Cheadle will replace him. Cheadle has been signed for multiple films, opening the possibility of a War Machine solo film. As for why Howard was replaced, Entertainment Weekly, Howard’s replacement was a money decision.
“Howard was the first actor signed to the film and, on top of that was the highest paid. That’s right: more than Gweneth Paltrow. More than Jeff Bridges. More than Robert Downey Jr. And once the project fully came together, it was too late to renegotiate his deal.”
There are also insiders saying director Jon Favreau was not pleased with his performance. So much so that when the writers sat down to begin the script for Iron Man 2, they dramatically reduced Howard’s role. Upon hearing this, studio execs went to Howard to renegotiate the deal. His proposed pay cut was rumored to be 50 to 80 percent smaller. It is unclear who walked away first.
This has become big news. But it’s also old news. Why do I bring it up? Well, because until now, Favreau and Downey have kept quiet about this. Until now. Robert Downey Jr broke his silence on the subject. In an interview with MTV, he had this to say about the situation.
“I had nothing to do with that decision. I love Terrance very very much. There’s all I’ll say because I haven’t talked to him yet…I’ve always admired Don (Cheadle). It’s one of those situations where I still don’t quite know what happened or why. Here’s what happens too: things happen and you wind up commenting on them before you’ve actually talked to people and it’s in poor taste.”
It’s a little surprising to me that Downey is being so “pc” about it. It seems like this has become quite a big deal. A lot of fans seem upset that Terrance Howard was recast. The movie made a lot of money. So why couldn’t they bring everyone back? And if it was Howard’s performance, isn’t that Favreau’s fault? he is the director. If he wants Rhodey to be tougher, less soft-spoken, he should have instructed Howard to do so. Terrance Howard has the acting chops. He could pull it off. The last thing they should want is to upset the fans. In fact, Downey also told MTV that he hopes they don’t “piss off the public” that made Iron Man a success. Well I think it’s too late for that. They already have. What do you think?