Theory on Why Terrence Howard Isn't in Iron Man 2

Entertainment Weekly has a theory on why Terrence Howard was replaced by Don Cheadle for the movie Iron Man 2.

Basically, it's about money.

Terrence Howard was the first actor to sign on for Iron Man, which somehow made him the highest paid actor in the movie. Even above Robert Downey Jr. Sources claim that “Favreau and his producers were ultimately unhappy with Howard’s performance, and spent a lot of time cutting and reshooting his scenes.” And also that Howard had “difficult behavior” on the set of Iron Man

Now with Iron Man 2, director Favreau and screenwriter Justin Theroux decided to "minimize" Jim Rhodes’ role in the movie. This resulted in Marvel offering Terrence Howard’s agents with a “drasticly reduced offer.” Estimated to be about a 50 to 80 percent cut, but that makes it more in line with a supporting cast member’s salary of the first film.

Then we can just assume that Howard wasn't happy about the offer and assuming that after Marvel got a cold response, they moved on to Don Cheadle.

Well, for me, after reading this, I don't feel so bad about the change.

[/film]