New actor as James Rhoades in Iron Man 2

[Teancum]

Breaking news...

Terrence Howard will NOT be returning as James Rhoades in Iron Man 2.  Supposedly he asked for a greater sum of money than the studio was willing to pay, so Don Cheadle is replacing him.

Don Cheadle is stepping in to replace Terrence Howard in "Iron Man 2," Marvel Studios' sequel to its summer blockbuster.

In the movie, Howard played Jim Rhodes, Tony Stark/Iron Man's best friend and future armor-clad hero War Machine. One scene featured Howard looking at a silver suit of armor and saying "Next time," a line that caused great delight for fans.

But there will be no next time for Howard.

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.

Rhodes is expected to play a larger part in the sequel, which is rumored to go beyond high-tech villains. Justin Theroux is writing the screenplay.

Jon Favreau is returning as director, and Robert Downey Jr. is expected back as billionaire industrialist Stark/Iron Man. Gwyneth Paltrow also is expected to be back as Stark's assistant, Pepper Potts.

SOURCE


Personally I say good riddance.  I thought Howard had to 'wussy' of a voice to really fit Rhoades/War Machine.

[jonchang]

I'd say Terrence Howard was average at best.

[The Boy Sanga]

Wasn't Howard rumoured to be playing Luke Cage at one point too? I'm probably sourcing wiki so I doubt its accuracy. I'll be a little disappointed with his departure though as I think sequels flow better with the same actor, especially if its such a key role

[Teancum]

I agree that sequels are better with the same actors, but if they had to make a change, I'm glad they didn't go with a carbon-copy of Terrence Howard.

[nodoubt_jr]

Howard Says Being Replaced Was 'Surprise of a Lifetime'
http://movies.yahoo.com/feature/terrencehoward_blog.html