Don Cheadle will replace Terrence Howard in the sequel to Marvel Studio’s summer blockbuster, “Iron Man.” See photos and video of the Academy Award nominated actor who will appear in the highly anticipated sequel set for release on May 7, 2010.
Terrence Howard played Jim Rhodes, Tony Stark/Iron Man’s best friend and future armor-clad hero War Machine. His character’s return in the sequel was telegraphed in a scene in which he gazed at a silver suit of armor and said “Next time,” generating much anticipation.
Marvel had no comment, but sources close to the deal said negotiations with Howard fell through over financial differences, among other reasons. Marvel, which had wanted to work with Cheadle, then decided to take the role in another direction and approached the actor, who is shooting Antoine Fuqua’s “Brooklyn’s Finest” with Richard Gere and Ethan Hawke.
Marvel Studios announced “Iron Man 2″ the day after the film’s spectacular opening weekend which brought in slightly more than $100 million at the box office, making it the 10th biggest opening weekend in Hollywood movie history. Jon Favreau is returning as Iron Man 2 director, and Robert Downey Jr. is expected to reprise his role as billionaire industrialist Stark/Iron Man. Gwyneth Paltrow also is expected to return as Stark’s assistant, Pepper Potts.
Academy Award nominated Don Cheadle was most recently the producer and star of the movie, “Traitor,” released in theaters in August 2008. He will appear in the forthcoming movie “Hotel for Dogs,” which will be released in theaters on January 16, 2009. He received the Spirit of Independence Award at the 2008 Los Angeles Film Festival for his outstanding contribution to film. Cheadle was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor in 2005 for his portrayal of the hotelier Paul Rusesabagina in “Hotel Rwanda” a historic drama about the genocide in Rwanda. He is also known for his philanthropic efforts as exemplified by his documentary “Darfur Now” which brought attention to the genocide in Darfur.
More photos and a video of Don Cheadle are below.
