When we saw a new face for James “Rhodey” Rhodes in ‘Iron Man 2‘, viewers were quite shocked to see Terrence Howard replaced. While many agreed it was a good call others were not so happy. However, it seems Howard himself is very upset with not only Marvel but with Robert Downey Jr. as well.
Terrence Howard revealed in an interview that he is probably more upset about Robert Downey Jr. not supporting him in a time of need. When his role was recast and the studio backed out of their three-picture deal, Howard had sought Downey Jr’s help but to no avail.
When Terrence Howard Helped Robert Downey Jr. Get Iron Man Role
There is no doubt that Iron Man is the role that shot Robert Downey Jr into the limelight and helped him rejuvenate his career once again. However, did you know that it was Terrence Howard who was behind him getting the role? In an interview on The Joe Rogan Experience, Terrence Howard revealed this interesting story.
Prior to landing the Iron Man role, Downey Jr faced severe drug dependence and was not even considered to audition for the role. While shooting for ‘The Brave One’, it was Susan Downey who approached Terrence Howard asking for help. “I love Robert. I love what he does. I loved him in Weird Science. Well if Robert wants to come in… So I called Avi Arad immediately,” said Terrence Howard.
He continued, “He was the producer on it and I’m like, ‘Avi, I hear Robert wants to come in but you guys don’t even let him audition.’ He’s like, ‘No we can’t bond him.’ I’m like, ‘Instead of the 4 and a half you want to give me why don’t you take a million dollars for the bond for him and let him audition.’ So he gets the part. Robert is like, ‘I love you. Thank you so much.’”
In Case You Missed: How Much Was Robert Downey Jr. Paid For ‘Iron Man’ And Other Marvel Appearances?
Robert Downey Jr. Did Not Return The Favor To Terrence Howard
After the first Iron Man film, Marvel studios apparently backed out of a three-picture deal with Terrence Howard. The ‘Empire’ actor revealed that the studio wanted him to return for a mere $1 million instead of the agreed-upon $8 million.
“When this other thing happened, I’m calling Robert and he’s doing Sherlock Homes. I called him 27 times and I leave a message. I’m calling his assistant. I’m like, ‘I need the help I gave you.’ I didn’t hear from him until 3 years later when I bumped into him at Brian Grazer’s wedding,” said Terrence Howard in his interview. “But at that time I’d had Empire or whatever and I came back he was like, ‘Oh but everything worked out for you.’ That broke me a little bit,” added Howard.
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