Iron Man 2
News (Page 4)

Justin Theroux , fresh off a box office hit with Tropic Thunder, is among the writers working on Iron Man 2.

He was recently asked if he and the team tweaked the script at all, in order to accomodate Don Cheadle in the role of Jim Rhodes (as opposed to Terrence Howard).

"No, that's all nonsense," he said. "We're writing the thing, virtually the same for Rhodey that we would for any actor. We're really taking what's going to be the most interesting story for the fans, and what are they going to enjoy watching."

The script for Iron Man 2 is "chuggling along," according to one of the sequel's writers.

With Iron Man 2 making headlines for all the wrong reasons - following the controversial replacement of Terrence Howard with Don Cheadle in the role of Colonel Rhodes - star Robert Downey Jr. is trying to stay diplomatic.

Here's what he had to say about the cast shake-up:

"I had nothing to do with that decision. I love Terrence very very much. That’s all I’ll say because I haven’t talked to him yet."

The actor added:

"I’ve always admired Don [Cheadle]. It’s one of those situations where I still don’t quite know what happened or why. Here’s what happens too: things happen and you wind up commenting on them before you’ve actually talked to the people and it’s in poor taste."

Count Terrence Howard among those not looking forward to Iron Man 2. The reason?

The actor has been replaced in the role of Jim Rhodes by Don Cheadle.

Now, Entertainment Weekly has gone behind the scenes of the cast shake up and come up with a list of reasons why Howard won't be returning to the franchise:

• Howard was the first actor signed for Iron Man; and he was paid accordingly, actually making more than Gwyneth Paltrow, Jeff Bridges and even Robert Downey Jr.;
• Director Jon Favreau was unhappy with Howard's performance cut many of his scenes;
• Therefore, Howard's screen time was minimized during writing of the sequel;
• As a result, the offer made to Howard for Iron Man 2 was drastically lower than the salary he made on the original, reportedly as much as 80 percent lower.

From there, it's unclear which side left the negotiating table first. But it appears as though Howard's on-set problems, combined with his displeasure of a pay cut, led to the casting of Cheadle in the role.

Look for Downey to shake hands with Cheadle in Iron Man 2.

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.

Terrence Howard appeared with host Scott Simon on NPR.

The host inquired about the recent news that Don Cheadle would be replacing the actor as James "Rhodey" Rhodes in the upcoming sequel, Iron Man 2.

"It was the surprise of a lifetime," Howard said. "There was no explanation. [The contract] just...up and vanished. I read something in the trades implicating that it was about money or something, but apparently the contracts that we write and sign aren't worth the paper that they're printed on, sometimes. Promises aren't kept, and good faith negotiations aren't always held up."

Terrence Howard says he was as shocked anyone when he heard the news that he would not be returning for Iron Man 2.

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.

Iron Man and Iron Man 2 director Jon Favreau participated in a live chat at the Los Angeles Times yesterday.

During it, the director answered a slew of questions from fans of the movie, mostly centered on the sequel. Here are highlights:

On the antagonist in Iron Man 2: "We're playing with who the villain should be and what we should incorporate from the comic book. And how it will lead into the Avengers."

Plot of the sequel: "The sequel is shaping up to incorporate Tony's vision for the future. What happens after he says 'I am Iron Man?'"

Iron Man 2 plot details are being worked out as we type.

On focus as a director: "I focus mostly on story and character. I put a great value on emotion, humor and natural dialogue. The effects are fun to explore in original ways, but without a strong story, they mean nothing."

Will we see War Machine: "We need War Machine. Agreed. Shoulder cannons and all."

The future for Tony Stark: "Stark has issues with booze. That's part of who he is. I don't think we'll ever do the Leaving Las Vegas version, but it will be dealt with."

According to Variety director Michael Bay will film at least three action set pieces using IMAX cameras for Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.

But that won't be the only significant sequel to use such technology.

The publication also said that Jon Favreau has considered using IMAX cameras for shots in Iron Man 2.

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen opens June 26, 2009, while Iron Man 2 is on pace for a May 7, 2010 release.

In a recent interview with ComingSoon.net, Jon Favreau made it clear that his focus is on both Iron Man 2 and Iron Man 3.

The director spoke with the movie site as part of his publicity tour for the upcoming Iron Man DVD release, set for Sept. 30. Here's what we learned from Favreau:

- Robert Downey, Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow and Terrence Howard are all on board for Iron Man 2. Favreau will also be back on screen, as well as behind the camera, with a (possibly expanded) role as Happy Hogan.

- Mandarin, a classic nemesis of Iron Man in comic book lore, will be the main antagonist in one of the follow-ups. This is an Asian crimelord who sports ten powerful ring weapons (alluded to in the first film through references to the terrorist cell the Ten Rings).

- The most well-known storylines from the comic book series – "Demon in a Bottle," in which Tony Stark becomes an alcoholic, and Jim Rhodes takes over the role and armor of Iron Man during Stark's recovery – are expected to be included, possibly both in the second sequel. Howard's role in the first movie was not as expansive as originally intended; Favreau plans to rectify that.

In a new interview with The Los Angeles Times, Iron Man 2 director Jon Favreau didn't reveal anything too groundbreaking regarding the sequel. But any news on this wildly-anticipated follow-up is worth mentioning.

While there hasn't been an formal announcement on the sequel to Iron Man, Favreau has begun developing it.

"We're working on it now, which hasn't been officially announced. It will be released in 2010," the director told the newspaper.

Marvel Studios and Paramount Pictures are targeting a release date of April 30, 2010. That would ensure that the blockbuster kicked off that summer.

Justin Theroux (Tropic Thunder) is writing the script and in addition to Robert Downey Jr., the first film's co-stars Gwyneth Paltrow and Terrence Howard are expected to return.