Don Cheadle
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While we thought Terrence Howard did a solid job as Col. James "Rhodey" Rhodes in Iron Man, we must admit:

We're big fans of Don Cheadle. We're excited to watch him in Iron Man 2.

For the first time since the recast of the part was announced, the Oscar-winning actor spoke on bringing Rhodey back to the big screen. Here are highlights from Cheadle's interview with IGN:

How did you get involved with Iron Man 2?
I got a phone call from my agent saying they were offering me the part. That was kind of it. It happened very fast, and I had a very short time to answer. Literally, overnight. I was unaware of what was happening with Terrence. And when they called me I asked what was going on with Terrence. I've worked with Terrence, I've known Terrence for a long time. And they said they were moving away from him.

So it's not like I was taking Terrence's job, because the job was already gone. Someone else was going to do the part. I don't know who the next person in line was, but that's who they were going to. And I literally had a few hours to accept the job or not.

How much can you reveal about the story?
I can't reveal anything because I've seen nothing. I have no idea. There's no script yet. All I know is as much as you know, that Rhodey looked at that suit and said, 'Next time.' So I imagine I'm going to be in a suit.

Marvel Studios has confirmed that Don Cheadle will be taking on the role of olonel James "Rhodey" Rhodes in a number of future films.

Here's the press release sent out this week by the studio:

Marvel Studios is pleased today to confirm that an agreement has been finalized with award-winning actor Don Cheadle to take on the role of Colonel James "Rhodey" Rhodes in Marvel's Iron Man 2 due in theaters on May 7, 2010. In casting Cheadle, Marvel replaces Terrence Howard who appeared in the role of Rhodey in Iron Man.

Cheadle is also signed on to perform the same role in THE AVENGERS and subsequent installments of the Iron Man franchise.

"We are very excited about working with the extraordinarily talented Don Cheadle as we expand the role of Rhodey in Iron Man 2. It has already become apparent as we prep the movie for production, that the dynamic between Robert and Don will take Iron Man 2 to new heights," said Kevin Feige, President of Marvel Studios.

Here's shocking news about Iron Man 2:

Despite numerous quotes from Terrence Howard regarding the sequel - including excitement over the likelihood that his character, James Rhodes, would be featured prominently in the follow-up, the actor is being replaced in that role.

Don Cheadle will stepping in to replace Howard, according The Hollywood Reporter. It's been rumored that Rhodes will turn into the armor-clad hero War Machine and play a major role in Iron Man 2.

The publication says Marvel had no comment, but sources close to the deal said negotiations with Howard fell through over financial differences.

Don Cheadle is such a good actor, he had us convinced he was British for awhile after Ocean's Eleven came out. Seriously.

Now, the Oscar nominee is starring in Traitor. He recently spoke to ComingSoon.net about the project:

ComingSoon.net: Was there anything in particular that pulled you into the script as an actor and as a producer?
Don Cheadle: Well, at the time there were things in the news, when this script came across my desk. There were a lot of ideas and stories about security and Guantanamo and The Patriot Act and what rights you would give up in order to be secure and terrorism and radical Islam. All these ideas were floating around when this script came across my desk.

Don Cheadle stars in Traitor.

It was interesting to me because the character that I play in the movie, Samir Horn, seemed to be somebody who encapsulated all those questions within his own journey in this film. "What is my allegiance to my faith, what's my allegiance to my country? I feel like they're both letting me down in some ways. Who do I believe in? Who do I listen to? Ultimately, who takes responsibility for these things?"

In the film, he decides that he's going to take his own responsibility for things, but that was interesting to me as a producer because I thought, "Wow, here's a story that can potentially raise all those questions and may be fun to watch while you're sitting there, this thriller, and having your conscience pricked a little bit."