4. Robert Downey Jr. and Terrence Howard
While filming Iron Man, Robert Downey Jr. and Terrence Howard were best buds. Downey Jr. of course played Tony Stark, while Howard played Co. James ‘Rhodney’ Rhodes, a long-time friend of the billionaire playboy. After the huge success of the film, viewers assumed the entire cast would return in the sequel, only to find Howard’s role replaced by Don Cheadle.
Marvel Studios cites “contractual differences” for Howard not returning, while Terrence has a different take. Marvel wanted him to take a pay cut, while Downey Jr. was getting a huge raise. He revealed that he was supposed to make $8 million for the sequel, before Marvel insisted he take a pay cut to $1 million.
Howard explained in an interview with Bravo that, “It turns out the person that I helped become Iron Man, when it was time to re-up for the second one, took the money that was supposed to go to me and pushed me out.” Marvel believed the second film would be successful with or without Howard, which is why they offered 1/8th pay. Even though Howard had a three-picture deal, the contract was not mutually binding, so Marvel did not have to honor it.
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