Terrence Howard says a tense exchange with a producer may have contributed to him losing his role in Iron Man 2.
During a recent appearance on the PBD Podcast, Howard reflected on an incident that took place during the 2007 Venice Film Festival while promoting the thriller The Brave One. In the film, Howard played Detective Mercer alongside Jodie Foster.
According to Howard, a press conference question about billing and recognition drew attention to the difference in prominence between him and Foster. The topic later resurfaced in a conversation with producer Joel Silver.
Howard recalled Silver telling him that his name was not placed above the title because he was not the film’s lead.
“Your name isn’t above the title because you’re not the star of this thing—it’s Jodie,” Howard said Silver told him, adding that any potential award recognition would likely be in the supporting actor category.
Howard said the remark upset him and led to a heated response.
“I told him, ‘Thanks for the clarity. But remember, I’m a man like you. If you ever speak to me that way again, I’ll knock your teeth out,’” Howard said.
Although the disagreement appeared to end there, Howard believes the confrontation may have had consequences for his career.
About eight months later, he was replaced in the role of James Rhodes in Iron Man 2. Howard had originally played Tony Stark’s close friend and military ally in the 2008 film Iron Man, directed by Jon Favreau.
The role was later taken over by Don Cheadle, who went on to portray the character in subsequent Marvel films.
Howard was the first actor cast for Iron Man before the Marvel Cinematic Universe expanded into a global franchise. At the time, the film starred Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark.
The Brave One, the film Howard was promoting during the festival incident, was co-produced by Joel Silver and Susan Downey, who is married to Robert Downey Jr.
Howard has previously spoken publicly about the circumstances surrounding his departure from the Marvel sequel, though the exact reasons behind the casting change have never been fully confirmed.
