What the heck is wrong with Marvel Studios?
First they drag their feet on hiring Jon Favreau to direct Iron Man 2 (no-brainer, right?), and now it seems that they’ve bungled the Terrence Howard/James issue.
It seems that Marvel never notified Howard that he was dropped from the sequel. He heard about it the same way the rest of us did - by reading about it on the internet.
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According to SuperHeroHype, Terrence was doing a radio interview with NPR to promote his debut album “Shine Through It,” when of course he was asked about the Don Cheadle replacing him in the sequel.
Here’s what he had to say:
“It was the surprise of a lifetime,” he said. “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.”
Now if he’s telling the truth… damn.
We’ll keep you posted on this story as more details come to light. Personally, I can’t wait to hear what Marvel has to say about this.
Is it possible the story of his replacement in Iron Man 2 is all unfounded B.S.?
Source: SHH
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51 Comments
woah.
I hope Marvel didn’t do that - they’re brand new and high-rollin’. It would be unwise to destroy the respect and fanbase they have earned. People do not forget these sorts of things.
I really, really hope this is actually just one big rumor. Howard did a solid job in Iron Man, even if he got very little sreen time. I think he could do well as War Machine. If they put someone in, it would ruin the continuity. If this is just unfounded rumors, that would make my day.
I hope so too. They really shouldnt mess with the chemistry they already have. Didnt the movie make enough for you to bring everyone back Marvel?!? They have a chance now to go crawling back to him and beg him to come back. They should do it too. One of the reasons Iron Man was such a good movie was that the right choices were made in casting. Everyone was believable. There was some serious talent in that movie. Not to knock Don Cheadle, he’s good too, but we dont know if he would do a good job as Rhodey. We do know Terrence Howard does.
Besides, if they plan on making a War Machine spin off, they should keep the actor that is excited about the role.
I agree completely with deadpool. Casting is everythign in a movie sometimes. I’m not trying to knock Cheadle but Howard already proved he could pull off the role and another aspect of that is Cheadle just looks a bit too old to be pulling off the Rhodey role. Rhodey and Stark are the young captains and princes of enterprise (with a military spin for Rhodey in the movie) and Howard has that look and attitude.
I could just see Howard’s role expanding to take over as Tony slides down his slippery slope. You could see they were really good friends and Rhodey wasn’t afraid to tell Tony when he ws screwing up and stand up to him but at the same time be that supportive friend. I’m highly disappointed in Marvel if this is true.
I’m a little skeptical about this. Not that it couldn’t have occurred but it just doesn’t quite seem like how it’s done.
I interned for a studio lawyer and watched how they did business. It’s really a lot like buying a house, with the lawyers, managers and agents acting like relators and the studio and the talent acting like buyers and sellers.
The agent/manager does talk to the client during the dealmaking process. In the office I worked in, negotiations didn’t disappear so much as stall out, with one side or the other not following up or responding to a deal on the table.
For him to be caught unawares really strikes me as a face saving move. My experience, and granted its rather limited so someone with more can jump in here and trump me, is that talent knows when deals have fallen apart. Their negotiators, the agents and managers they pay, have told them as much well before it hits the press.
I know what you mean. It sounds completely bizarre. Only time will tell what the real story is here.
Vic
If he hasent been replaced ,
Why is he talking about his contract vanishing ?
why didnt Paramount set the record straight from the outset?
and there has also been no denial from Jon Favreau.
I think its very possible that Howard is trying to torpedo the deal with Cheadle So that Paramount will have no choice but to turn to him ,
at which point he will ask for more money .
I think he would love it if this story got all over the internet and fans DEMANDED his return.
You think someone in his camp started it?
I dont know what happened.
but I am hesitant to say its all the studio without more information.
My theory is that he wanted more money, and Marvel said they were re-casting the part with Cheadle, thus forcing Howard to take not as big of a raise.
Sony did the same thing with Tobey Maguire over Spidey 2 when he demanded $25 million for the sequel to the super hit film. So Sony hired Jake Gyllenhaal, and Tobey caved. Though he’s getting a big payday for Spidey 4 and 5.
heath
Heath,
while it doesnt seem Howard is caving yet,
that sounds like a good theory to me.
I dont know… this whole situation is bizare to begin with. Im hopeing at the end of all this BS, Howard still ends up playing Rhodey
Maybe Marvel is just testing the waters to see what kind of reactions fans would have if they recast the role, haha.
I re-watched Iron Man last night, and I think Howard should stay.
heath
It might be out of Howards control at this point
What the hell is wrong with you people?
Marvel is a completely YOUNG and NEW film studio. They don’t have the funding that all of the other major studios have out there like Paramount and Sony.
Most of you don’t seem to realize that they had to borrow all of their money to make Iron Man and Hulk from multiple banks with a very special term. If the movies didn’t succeed, they would LOSE all of the rights (comics and movie) of Iron Man and Hulk to these guys! They took a HUGE risk and it worked.
Now that both movies did well, they want to expand to make more films. But MORE films require MORE money! I liked Howard in Iron Man too but to ask for MORE money after one film? Come on. Even Howard was quoted as being surprised by this as if he didn’t have any control over his agent.
Marvel so far has been VERY interested in pushing independent filmmakers and actors. They are not against having big names attached to their films but they aren’t too crazy about writing 40 million dollar checks to actors either. We live in a crazy idiotic times where it’s considered NORMAL to blow all your money on an actor instead of the movie itself.
In the 70s, before the corporations took over the studios, people used to LOVE making films. It wasn’t about how much money can we make out of this and that. It was about the STORY not about the ACTORS themselves. And the audience was ok with that. Now it’s like money is all the filmmakers and actors care about. I’m really sick of this. If Howard feels he needs more money than he should just leave the character to someone else. It isn’t like there’s no one else that can play his role better than him.
So please cut Marvel some slack. They are the most ambitious young studio that we’ve ever seen. Thinnk about it, they are NOT just making movies here. They are trying to create a UNIVERSE. All of their films will tie into each other. No other studio has ever done this because they’re all too greedy to do crossovers unless they own the property (like aliens vs predator).
Sabin I understand where you are coming from, I miss movies like that too and now its all about money, money, and did I forget money, But put yourself in Howards shoes (if this is true). If all of a sudden you just got drop and they dont even tell you but you find out over the internet. Personally if that was me I wouldnt have enjoyed being blindsided either. Im not against Marvel because they have produced some kickass movies but I dont think it is right for them to just drop Howard like a sack of rocks and then not even tell him.
I had also heard Terrance on NPR and I was just in shock to hear his side of the story. Aside from this news, I thought Terrance was incredibly thought provoking person to listen to.
I actually dont have a problem with Marvel Not paying Howard if he demaneded
excessive amounts of cash .
I just hope they lock Cheadle down with a two picture deal,
So this doesnt happen twice.
@Gary
I agree about losing Howard over hmoney.
I didn’t really think his acting in the first Ironman warranted Marvel or Favreau asking him back.
Thank you Sabin for addressing how I feel about how movies are truly supposed to be made!
I do not think its Marvel’s fault for not informing Howard, it is probably Howard’s agents who did not tell him. Think of the legal issues, Marvel does not want that.
But, why are we defending Howard? Honestly, I hate it when actors demand so much money when a property does well! Yes they are the face of a movie, but they are only one part of an ensemble! Plus they work about 6 hours total from a possible 15 hour day, considering camera set ups and takes. Plus all the perks of doing for press junkets and premieres, etc.
If Howard wanted more cash, he could have asked for a merchandising cut, think of all the War-Machine toys kids are going to buy? The War-Machine suit is the cooler of the two, that is going to be a great property!
Seriously, Sabin nailed it! It is not Marvel’s fault! This time, we should side with the Studio.
Well, I, for one, do not know who to side with because I don’t know the whole situation. If the reason is Howard asked for more money, then Howard should know that actors have been dropped for that very reason (although they are usually informed). If the reason is that Marvel just wanted someone else, I see a breach of contract here (if Howard is right about the contract referenced above).
John has got a point but if you think about it. The next Ironman is suppose to make a bloody fortune so it wouldnt suprise me if Howard was dropped because he was asking for too much money.
I’m pretty sure if Marvel did break the contract like Howard claims, he would be doing more about it than talking about it on talk radio. Does he really think that people will believe he would simply “accept” the fact that the contracts don’t hold water?? Yah right, no way he would not sue over that. The fact that he’s not fighting this shows he knows the reason why he’s dropped from the film…
You are right Ken, if Marvel did breach the contract there should have been reports of Howard’s lawyers suing Marvel even before news broke out that Cheadle got the role of Rhodey.
Well, hollywoodreporter.com is saying that it was because of financial differences among other reasons. The report is here.
I wouldnt mind seeing Cheadle do the part however i still think they shouldnt switch parts and drop people but if thats whats best for the movie I wont fight it. This could be like the whole Heath Ledger thing when nobody wanted him to play the joker then he kicked ass. Mabey that will happen with Cheadle here but were just gonna have to wait and see.
This has to be the biggest load I have heard in awhile this pisses me off just like when warner brothers replaced michael keaton with val kilmer and we see how that turned out marvel is screwing up big time
Well JD5DAD, so far the evidence shows that it was not Marvel, but Howard that screwed up the deal. Sure keeping the same actors are important, but not SO important that Marvel needs to put up whatever money that is demanded from them. One has to be reasonable you know.
Moral of the story, get greedy, you get nothing, lol.
I really feel like Howard is a very talented actor. The role he played in Iron Man was perfect and just discrete enough for his big unavailing in the sequel. Did they replace Mary Jane in spider-man? Or Halle Berry as storm in X-Men? No. Because it is part of the continuation that is the Iron Man chronicles. If this report is true, then the fans have no choice but to not support this movie. And another thing. If you’ve never seen Iron Man, you will be lost when it comes to the sequel. Horrible decision. Horrible.
Did Kirsten Dunst or Halle Berry ask for more money than the production company is willing to pay?
WTF sometimes Marvel makes me wonder… Don’t they know people hate re-casting of roles in movies? Why not recast Robert Downey while they are at it???
C’mon Favreau and Downey help your boy out!
@Vin
Dont go giving marvel any ideas! Heresy! Do not even joke about recasting RDJ! They might actually try it. And he IS Iron Man
I doubt they would try recasting RDJ and if they did I would not see the sequal defenitly, im stillunsure bout it now but I will still go see it.
I keep seeing people blame Marvel but it was Howard who demanded more money. Sure, he’s a very good actor but I think it is the consensus, at least on Screen Rant, that his performance as Jim Phodes left a bit to be desired. I’m curious just how much he turned down.
@Jess
I know, I was just kidding around. Although nothing surprises me anymore. But They wont recast RDJ.
I think the only person who can “blackmail” his way to more money for the sequel would be RDJ. Everyone else, if they demand too much money, they can just recast them, but Marvel knows they can’t recast RDJ, so if he has unreasonable demands, the movie might not go forward at all. But luckily it seems only Howard has done so, and the recast could discourage Paltrow from doing the same.
@Deadpool
I was hopeing you were kidding lol But you are right nothing about the movies suprise me anymore.
No way man, I’ve watch Iron like 6 times at the movies and every time I’d watch it the two both Robert Downey Jr and Terrence Howard felt like a ying and a yang. It’s hard to find actor the can fell as if they are true to the character. First off if they do decide to cut out Terrence Howard I will not go see iron man 2 and I bet money on it that millions of other will do the same.
Just because we lose an actor for the part, dosent mean the movie is going to suck. If Howard screwed himself over then thats his fault, let someone who really wants to do the part do it. If people are not going to see this movie just because he is gone, then I just find it ridiculose. Im unhappy about it but im still going to see the movie.
I am truly disappointed that Howards is not going to be in Iron Man 2. This is a large mistake on Marvel’s part.
Don Cheadle?? Don Cheadle??!! You have got to be kidding me? Terrence Howards IS James Rhodes AND War Machine. Anyone else will ruin what has begun as a GREAT FRANCHISE. Regarding how much Terrence was paid it’s all called business. It’s called negotiations. He obviously was paid that much for some reasons. I feel it IS because he is the perfect James Rhodes/War Machine. WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO RENEGOTIATIONS?? Especially in light of the success of the movie, wouldn’t you think that both, Marvel and T.H. would be interested in that? Terrence desiring less, and Marvel meeting him somewhere in the middle? With such a successful movie, to recast now, with a lesser actor, i.e, Don Cheadle just doesn’t have the look, he cannot act as well, and the part has already been established!!! It would be TOTALLY FOOLISH on many levels. The inquiries regarding Terrence and his meekness with the character may have some validity, but I will offer a better point of view. I, being a life-long fan and collector of Ironman (I own nearly every comic, going back to his first appearance in Tales of Suspense), see a relationship between Tony and James that is very personal and sensitive. They ARE best friends and MORE. The movie depicts a more casual James Rhodes and not a gruff, war-like version. Well, most of the scenes that Terrence is in, are scenes with Tony/Ironman. He doesn’t need to be a gruff, intimidating character in those scenes. There is a close friendship developing there. In the scenes where he is taking command, I see no problem with the way that Terrence Howard supported those lines and portrayed the role. If he didn’t live up to the role, then the director is responsible for NOT directing the scenes well enough. I think Jon Favreau did direct him properly, and that the sensitive James Rhodes was NEEDED there supporting Tony Stark in that fashion; Tony Stark, a man who can trust virtually no one. James Rhodes is the same way in the comics. Sensitive and understanding when it comes to Tony, and controlling and powerful when it comes to leading in the military arena and with War Machine. So tell me, why not over the course of a few movies or a movie trilogy or more, James Rhodes could become more hardened and more military-ish due to the demands and knowledge that comes about? That, also with the acceptance of what Tony has chosen to do as Ironman. A vengeful, challenging change. The same thing happened with Tony in just one movie; his motives changed to fit the demands of his change of heart. Why could it not happen with James Rhodes? Also, the interaction between RDJ and T.H. are so natural. Can one just suspect that it will happen with another actor? I think not! Especially with such an extraordinary movie to begin with, why take the chance? I am upset that this is going on. Finally a decent Superhero movie, to me better than TDK, for more reasons than me being an Ironman fan, and they have to go and pull all this hollywood dung into it. Sheeeesh! What an upset it will be if the same cast is not involved. This may not be my last word on this………
I don’t know, the only thing I can agree with is that the part has already been established. I don’t think I can agree that Terrance Howard has the look for the part, nor would I agree that Howard can act better than Cheadle…
But yes, you’re right on one point, the part has already been established, it’ll be a little weird.
Ironman2You said:”There is a close friendship developing there. In the scenes where he is taking command, I see no problem with the way that Terrence Howard supported those lines and portrayed the role.”
I can see that because I’ve seen military men do it all my life. It’s like a mode switch. Flip the switch and they go from normal to command.
If you want to see Cheadle in a command role, check his performance in “Lost in Space.” I don’t think he has anything on Howard. Chalk this up to personality conflicts. Professional disagreement.
…If Marvel is thinking about replacing Terrence Howard with ANYONE ELSE, I hereby DEMAND that they keep him! (It’s not as if I have any first-hand information o_O ) Anyone with me?
Excelsior!
Oh, and thanks Old Man for watching my back. Hope things are well in your world!
I still can’t believe that they are considering replacing Terrence Howard. It makes me sick to think about it, when the original cast worked so well with me. =( I cannot even consider it correctly. I am a purest, and desire continuity, and if it’s about $$$. Then it should be solved. PERIOD.
If I had to think this way (and I am not saying I am)I would have a consideration like this: I did just recently watched Spawn, and thereafter viewed on the ScreenRant Newsletter the new movie “Black Dynamite”, and I thought that Michael Jai White might perform well as James Rhodes/War Machine. If you have seen Spawn, I think you might agree that he has the look and the ability to act those parts. There were some sensitive parts in Spawn, so maybe he could portray the “best friend” Rhodey. I STILL WANT HOWARD TO CONTINUE THE ROLE! ‘NUFF SAID ~J
@Ironman2you
Unfortunately, I think its too late now. Cheadle is War Machine. I actually like the Jai White call. I thought he should get it when they were casting the first movie. He could totally pull it off.
Spawn. I miss that movie. I really do. What ever happened to the proposed sequel?
Thanks Jon for the kick in the gut. UGH! I really am upset at that choice. Pathetic. I am having a problem with accepting that. Looks like I have to live in denial. SHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESH.
Somebody wake me up!!! SPAWN. A sequel would be so welcomed by everyone, especially with the CGI now. With so much comic reference to draw from there could be an awesome movie produced. Cheadle is not War Machine. Cheadle is NOT War Machine. I am going to have to repeat it until 2010. I cannot BELIEVE that MARVEL would do that to us!! If it was any other movie, I would choose to just forget about it. Son of a gun. What a waste. Forgive me, I HAD TO RANT. Glad there was a place. Pish.
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