In 2008, the MCU wasn’t the powerhouse it is today, but it was still in its early stages of development. Among the first actors to be cast in the live-action adaptation of Marvel’s Iron Man was none other than Terrence Howard. He stood tall among the other actors, ready to bring the iconic character to life on the big screen.
The incredible superhero action lit up the screens, leaving audiences in awe as it soared to extraordinary heights of success. It was not just the launchpad for the Marvel Cinematic Universe but also the blueprint for future endeavours within the MCU. Iron Man was the film that launched Robert Downey Jr. into the sky of global stardom as the beloved leading man that fans worldwide adore.
However, as the shot shows, the same fate did not happen with Terrence Howard, who had been the highest-paid actor in the film; a sense of disappointment remains as he is nowhere to be found. Instead, we see Don Cheadle stepping into the role of Tony Stark’s friend James Rhodes, signalling the replacement of Howard in the sequel.
Why did Terrence Howard leave Iron Man?
The sudden departure of Terrence left many in disbelief, their eyes wide with shock as they remembered his ominous words, “Next time, baby,” which had mistakenly hinted at his transformation into War Machine. Iron Man 2 was a film that Howard has left out of due to a disagreement with the filmmakers.
The story goes that after the blockbuster success of Iron Man, Howard was asked to take a pay cut from what was previously agreed upon in his contract, which he refused. Aside from the salary disagreement, rumours circulated that Terrence’s dismissal as War Machine may have been due to on-set issues.
Behind-the-scenes reports hinted that Howard was a challenging actor to collaborate with and had clashes with the film’s director, Jon Favreau. Rumours turned around the set like a dark cloud, with rumours of pay cuts and reduced roles. But the truth remained hidden, as none of the parties involved ever confirmed or denied the allegations.
The tension was deep as the cast and crew went about their work, with the pay cut deadline looming over them like a looming shadow. Behind closed doors, tensions boiled over as the producers approached Howard with a proposal to reduce his salary, while Favreau and screenwriter Justin Theroux plotted to shrink his role in the film.
with numbers dropping from 50% to a staggering 80%. This pay cut became the valid reason for Terrence Howard’s departure from the project, as he walked away from the opportunity. But the controversy didn’t end there. It also sparked a heated dispute between Howard and Robert Downey Jr., as Howard accused Downey Jr. of not standing up for him in the face of the pay cut.
In Andy Cohen’s show, he said, “The person I helped become Iron Man when it was time to renew the contract for the second film, took the money that was meant for me and pushed me out.” He gestured with his hands as if pushing something away from him. “I was left standing there, staring at the space where my role should have been.” When Andy asked the question about Terrence Howard’s bond with Robert Downey Jr., the Prisoners actor rolled his eyes and said, “Oh, I love him.” God’s gonna bless him.”
Robert Downey Jr. stepped into the role of Tony Stark/Iron Man, becoming the shining star of the franchise. With his charismatic performance and iconic portrayal, he captivated audiences and cemented his place as the series’ central character. However, as the Infinity War ended in Avengers: Endgame, Tony met his in-universe demise, leaving a gaping hole in the hearts of fans.
Meanwhile, Don Cheadle has been donning the suit of War Machine since 2010, bringing the character to life on the big screen. He has become a main character in the franchise, and fans eagerly await his return in upcoming projects like Secret Invasion and Armor Wars. With his powerful presence and commanding performance, Cheadle has proven himself to be a worthy addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Imagine the possibility of Howard being a long-standing MCU star, but unfortunately, it seems that fate had other plans. As you sit back and watch the iconic first Iron Man film, you can’t help but recall Howard’s brief time in the franchise. Your mind wanders, visualising what the MCU would have been like had he stayed on. It’s a tempting thought, much like a Disney Plus show, that begs the question, “What if?”
