Finally we are starting to scratch against the surface of mystery that surrounded the sacking of Terrence Howard from IRON MAN 2 which the trades quite conspicuously at the time said was for pay demands.
Entertainment Weekly report that there were two factors in Marvel’s decision to let him go. The first was Terrence Howard’s “difficult” behavior on the set of the film. They claim that Jon Favreau got so frustrated with Howard’s attitude and performance that he spent way more hours than he should have chopping and basically minimalizing his role as Col. Jim Rhodes from a big character, to a supporting player.
Another problem was that in the early days of casting, Howard was brought on to the film when no other stars had signed a contract. Marvel, not expecting to get the likes of Robert Downey Jr, Gwyneth Paltrow and Jeff Bridges for the movie, probably offered Howard too big a contract to sign on to secure the first big name for the film.
By the time it was evident that the top Hollywood names were interested in joining this comic book property it was too late for them to renogiate. Leaving Howard, with some of his performance on the cutting room floor, as the highest paid actor of the film even though he had such a small part.
Although the last movie contained the geek out line “Next time baby” in regards to him suiting up as War Machine, new scribe Etan Cohen (TROPIC THUNDER) and Favreau mapped out a script for the sequel which severly condensed the role of Rhodes.
Once Marvel heard of this, they finally saw an opportunity to do what they wanted all along and offered him a massive, possibly insulting, reduction of somewhere between 80 and 50 per cent, probably with the intention of Howard bailing on the project. The reduction offer of course was rejected by Howard.
Somewhere between these back and forth discussions… Howard was let go.
He was replaced by Academy Award nominated Don Cheadle and it seems Howard was unaware of his departure from the franchise until he read it, at the same time we did, in the trades on Oct. 14th. Though I would fully expect Rhodes’ role to be significant again, probably a major character and we know Cheadle has already signed on for THE AVENGERS… so his character is scheduled to go places.
9 Comments
It all makes sense now. Howard is signs first and gets a ton of money due to being the new “It” man in Hollywood. The rest of the cast joins, but it’s too late to renegotiate Howard’s pay to be similar to the actors. Favreau makes comments of how Rhodey’s scenes are a lot smaller than they anticipated. They make the role smaller in the sequel and Marvel tries to renegotiate. Things don’t work out the way they wanted, get rid of Howard, bring on Cheadle, and the role is beefed up.
Funny how things work out. I didn’t care much for Howard in the role and don’t see how anyone could just based on the film. He was forgettable to me a seemed too much like a push-over. And I always laugh when he screams, “Tony!!!” I think Cheadle will do better.
“Difficult to work with?” Is that why Favreau was almost let go too?
This explanation stinks. Howard is no Lindsey Lohan. I’ve never heard of him being “difficult” before and I HIGHLY doubt it was the case this time.
Sounds more like they didn’t want to pay the man and saw a chance to get somebody cheaper.
Oh well.
Most importantly, let’s not forget: TERRENCE HOWARD IS AN OSCAR NOMINEE JUST AS MUCH AS DON CHEADLE AND ROBERT DOWNEY JR.
I agree wholeheartedly with JaySmack on this one. Was it not just a few months ago that Marvel tried to run Favreau through the mud over seemingly similar contractual and money issues?
Marvel seems to be the diva in this case; the one difficult to work with. They should remember that they are now a viable studio with one lucky movie under their belt. The success of that movie rested upon a great cast and wonderful crew.
Why fuck up the formula that forged such a success, all for the sake of saving a few pennies?
To hell with Iron Man 2.
A contract is a contract, if Howard signed up for a certain amount of money, regardless of the circumstances, he should have been paid what he signed for…Sure there will be a trial about it…and Marvel might end up having to pay much more than what they expected…
I think that Terrence did a great job in the first movie in fact that’s the only reason I even wanted to see the movie. I waited for it to come out on DVD because i heard that he had such a small role that i didn’t want to see it in the movies with my family. I wanted to see him this time around so i made sure that i was going to the movies to see it with my four children and my husband, but now forget it!!! Don is not sexy at all and Terrence is so hot!!! I agree FUCK IRONMAN2 it T is not in it then i dont want to see it. Pay the man his money and get over it.If he was such a diva so to speak, then why is this the first time we are hearing about it.Because it’s a lie that’s way
I think that Terrence did a great job in the first movie in fact that’s the only reason I even wanted to see the movie. I waited for it to come out on DVD because i heard that he had such a small role that i didn’t want to see it in the movies with my family. I wanted to see him this time around so i made sure that i was going to the movies to see it with my four children and my husband, but now forget it!!! Don is not sexy at all and Terrence is so hot!!! I agree FUCK IRONMAN2 if T is not in it then i dont want to see it. Pay the man his money and get over it.If he was such a diva so to speak, then why is this the first time we are hearing about it.Because it’s a lie that’s way
Howard is such a wonderful actor … one of the best actors working now! I just hope he doesn’t take this drop too seriously and moves on to something better.
Howard is not even in the same class as Cheadle as an actor. And he has been a pre madonna on every set hes been on very few people enjoy working with him. Jammie Fox even called him out while making “Ray” saying Howard lacked social grace and made alot of people pissed off. So before you make him a marder be sure you do your research.
Hey Markeisha Ironman is not a porn no one cares if howard is hot. He had a small role in the movie and didnt perform well. Sorry you have to go to the movies to get stimulated dosent speak much of your husband guess he cant perform well 2