Terrence Howard Blames Robert Downey Jr. for Iron Man Exit and Pay Cut
Terrence Howard exit from Iron Man surprised many fans. The actor, who played James “Rhodey” Rhodes in the first film, claims Robert Downey Jr. played a key role in his removal. Howard has spoken out about how the situation unfolded and revealed the financial blow he took before being replaced by Don Cheadle.
The Aftermath of Iron Man
Terrence Howard played a major role in Iron Man (2008), but he didn’t return for the sequels. Rumors suggested behind-the-scenes conflicts. Howard later explained his side, pointing to Robert Downey Jr. as part of the problem.
In several interviews, Howard stated that the studio initially agreed on a higher pay for the sequels. But after Iron Man became a success, they offered him a much lower figure. “They came to me for the second one and said, ‘We will pay you one-eighth of what we agreed on,’” Howard said. He also claimed that Downey Jr. took the money that was originally intended for him, leaving him pushed out of the franchise.
Howard’s Loyalty and Broken Promises
According to Terrence Howard, he was a crucial player in getting Downey Jr. cast as Tony Stark. Howard explained that he vouched for Downey Jr. when the studio hesitated due to his past troubles. He believed his loyalty would be rewarded, but after the first film’s success, he felt betrayed.
Downey Jr. has never directly responded to these accusations, and Marvel Studios has also stayed quiet, leaving Howard’s claims without any official response.
Replaced and Moved On
When Marvel cast Don Cheadle as Rhodey for Iron Man 2, many fans were caught off guard. Howard had expected a pay increase, but instead, he found himself removed. He shared his frustration over the drastic pay cut and the sudden replacement in interviews.
Despite the disappointment, Howard moved on to other successful roles, including his work on the popular TV series Empire. While he continues to speak about the Iron Man controversy, his career flourished after leaving the MCU.
A Future Beyond Iron Man
Howard’s career didn’t suffer from his Iron Man exit. He has taken on various film and television roles, with Empire marking a standout period in his career. Meanwhile, Robert Downey Jr. became one of Hollywood’s highest-paid actors, largely due to his portrayal of Tony Stark.
Though Howard’s version of Rhodey didn’t continue in the MCU, his contribution to the original Iron Man is still remembered. The replacement and salary drama remain topics of discussion, with many still curious about what truly transpired.
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