Terrence Howard on Iron Man 2 Recasting: Huh?

Posted by Neil Miller (neil@filmschoolrejects.com) on October 19, 2008

Terrence Howard confused by Iron Man 2 rumors

It isn’t the first time that we’ve found some common ground with actor Terrence Howard, but it is the most recent. Last week The Hollywood Reporter told us that sources ‘close to the deal’ were saying that Howard was to be replaced by Don Cheadle in the role of James ‘Rhodey’ Rhodes in the upcoming film Iron Man 2. According to the report, negotiations to bring Howard back broke down due to, among other things, financial disagreements between the star and Marvel Studios.

Now, this is all well and good — we are okay blaming this sort of thing on a greedy actor — if it turns out to be true. And according to an interview that Terrence Howard gave to Scott Simon on NPR’s Weekend Edition, the actor has said that he’s just finding all of this out with the rest of us. The folks at CHUD brought it to our attention, providing the transcription below:

Howard: Yeah, I found that out, too.

Simon: Really? They didn’t…they didn’t…

Howard: It was the surprise of a lifetime. There was no explanation. [The contract] just…up and vanished. I read something in the trades implicating that it was about money or something, but apparently the contracts that we write and sign aren’t worth the paper that they’re printed on, sometimes. Promises aren’t kept, and good faith negotiations aren’t always held up.

Of course, we know what you are thinking and we are right there with you: what in the hell is going on over at Marvel Studios? The more operative question here, in my mind, isn’t about what is really going on inside of Marvel Studios, but what sort of information is getting out of Marvel Studios. Who is it that was talking to THR’s Borys Kit last week, telling him that Howard wanted more money? The fact that Howard is now talking publicly about being completely out of the loop brings Kit’s report into question. That is assuming that what Howard is saying isn’t just spin, of course.

All of that said, I certainly don’t think we are done talking about all of this. It is important to remember that there has been no official word from either Marvel Studios or Paramount Pictures, the companies responsible for the production and distribution of Iron Man 2. As well, we’ve heard no word from the traditionally accessible director Jon Favreau. The director has in the past responded to such rumors on his own official Iron Man MySpace group, but has remained silent since last week’s news — that speaks volumes about the potential invalidity of these rumors. Personally, I wouldn’t be surprised to find out that this was all either (a) someone jumping the gun on an announcement that wasn’t final or (b) complete bull-shit. We will keep an eye on things, as always.

Do you think that Terrence Howard is honestly not in the loop with what Marvel is doing with Iron Man 2? As well, are you still buying the Don Cheadle rumor, based on what Howard said in the NPR interview?

Related Reading:

Comment Policy: No hate speech allowed. If you must argue, please debate intelligently. Comments containing selected keywords or outbound links will be put into moderation to help prevent spam. Film School Rejects reserves the right to delete comments and ban anyone who doesn't follow the rules. We also reserve the right to modify any curse words in your comments and make you look like an idiot. Thank You!

Davebaxter1989

I hope to heckfire that Iron Man wasn't just pot luck and that Marvel are just gonna be another bitchy studio.

Meepo

I think Marvel did say something like this, probably to scare of Terrence because I heard that they wanted Don Cheadle in the first place, right?

Marvel is responsible here; they are being unfair and are breaking a contract. I believe what Terrence is saying.

astroblack

Terrance doesn't seem like the type of guy to bullshit like this. Everyone says that he's a pretty stand-up and humble guy, so I believe him on this.

Alericc

It's Hollywood, double talk and back stabbing is the name of the game.

jack2jack

As I said before, Marvels actions are very very troubling in this case. None of it makes any sense. Was there actually any talk of Cheadle in the beginning for casting? I don't remember anything to that effect being said that there was a scheduling/project conflict. Terrence has talked about this project for quite sometime. He even spoke about the sequel and him having a bigger role in the sequel. So now with the conversation on NPR which is like the Bible for news for being pretty straight forward, no hidden agendas. Do I smell a boycott in the air?

Bobby McPresscott

If it comes out that Marvel is messing around I more than agree that the fans will boycott. All the good will Marvel has earned in what was perceived as a grand attempt to give the movie world its own separate Marvel universe will die out painfully.

But on the subject of boycotts, if Marvel really is messing around with actor contracts I hope VERY BADLY that the SAG strike goes forward. I hate the idea of another strike, but if Hollywood is REALLY that ballsy, I can't care anymore. Hopefully this BS will get us an official statement soon where they suck up to actors and fans alike.

Personally, I don't see Jon Favreau's silence as indicative of BS near as much as I see it as an indicator that regardless of the end result of WHATEVER is going on, Marvel may well have him gagged. Let's not forget that this is the SECOND rumor about disputes between Marvel and the crew of Iron Man, and the first being between Marvel and Favreau himself.

Fix this Marvel. Iron Man was huge because of great word of mouth. I fully believe that the opposite will have a proportionately negative effect on franchise success.

HempKnight757

Don is the man, but not right for the part. the end

Reg

If Iron man 2 is not worth watching over some kind of money grubbing actors then I'd rather have Robert Downey to show up in Avengers. I hate when they negotiate on something that's just plain stupid over money. I think its stupid to just have Terrence be like all of sudden he is asking for more money. Just because he'll be War Machine in the next movie. Doesn't he realize it is not called War Machine 2 it's IRON MAN 2. Don Cheadle needs to bulk up a bit if he were to be War Machine, um...also he is short (in height), isn't he?

Captain Obvious

Howard is out. Rotten Tomatoes released an article declairing it was Howard's agent that tried to high-ball Marvel and they called his bluff.

None of you are going to boycott the film, so saying you'll do so is nonsense. You'll be excited with your midnight tickets just like the rest of us.

I honestly don't care who plays the part. His role was not irreplaceable in the first film and Cheadle will bring some great talent to the part. I'm fine with either actor.

Beach Bum

Well if his agent was highballing Marvel then Howard needs to straighten his agent out. I admire Don Cheadle as an actor, but Howard has the physical stature to fit the War Machine role perfectly in my opinion. Changing up the casting after such a good mix in the original (which obviously worked being it was the biggest blockbuster right along with Batman) will only hurt it for the sequel.

Terrence Howard on Iron Man 2 Recasting: Huh?

Related Topics:

Related Reading: