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Iron Man was one of the biggest hits of the summer, and its entertainment value is stretching well into the fall, not only with the DVD release, but also with the real-life, behind-the-scenes drama surrounding the planned sequel. It was announced just weeks ago that Terrence Howard—who played the small but key role of James "Rhodey" Rhodes in the first film, with the suggestion of a bigger part for this character in the second—would not be reprising his role, but would be replaced by Don Cheadle. The news was a shock to Iron Man fans, but also to Howard himself.

So why was he replaced? Entertainment Weekly provides two answers. For one, Howard was the highest-paid actor in the entire first film—even more than star Robert Downey, Jr.—because he was the first to be cast, and his salary could not be negotiated after the other actors were hired. But the studio was unwilling to pay him the same amount for the second film, and his agents balked at the paycut—rumored to be anywhere from 50 to 80 per cent. Moreoever, director Jon Favreau was reportedly "unhappy" with Howard's performance, and had to invest a lot of time into reshooting and editing it.

Meanwhile, Yahoo! Movies reports that Howard's replacement, Cheadle, has not only been officially confirmed for the second Iron Man flick—slated to release May 7, 2010—but also for The Avengers, which will bring together Marvel franchise heroes, including Iron Man, Rhodey's alter ego War Machine, Thor, the Hulk, and Captain America. The latter film is scheduled for July 15, 2011.

Downey Jr., who has also signed on for the sequel and the Avengers movie, says he was not involved with the decision.

Hollywood joins the furor over gay marriage ban (AP)
Ellen DeGeneres, Rosie O'Donnell join the protests

Quo Vadis released in special edition (DVD Town)
1951 biblical epic gets double-disc treatment

Bond flick Quantum of Solace breaks records in Britain (Variety)
$8 million haul makes it highest-grossing Friday opening ever

Michael Crichton dies at 66 (Hollywood Reporter)
Author of Jurassic Park loses battle to cancer

3-D cartoon Holy Night is a "Christmas farce" (Variety)
Intermingles Jesus, Herod, and Santa Claus

Casting for War of the Gods, Clash of the Titans (Variety)
Two Greek god-themed films on parallel tracks

Jack Black to star in Gulliver's Travels (Variety)
Actor playing lead role in contemporary retelling

Brett Ratner to direct Conan remake (Hollywood Reporter)
Beverly Hills Cop IV also in the works

Two Road to Perdition sequels on the way (Hollywood News)
Max Allan Collins has written, will direct Road to Purgatory, Paradise

Is President-Elect Obama a Trekkie? (TrekMovie.com)
Obama says he "grew up" with Star Trek

YouTube to post full-length MGM films on site (Reuters)
The Magnificent Seven to be among the first shown

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