Cheadle to "Don" War Machine Armor, Not Howard

The Lone Ranger needs Tonto, Batman needs Robin (well, not really) and Iron Man needs a good pal/sidekick as well. Everyone assumed this would be Terrence Howard playing Tony Stark's chum, James Rhodes aka War Machine, but as is the case with many comic book plots, things can change quickly.

According to Reuters, Rhodes will not reprise his role in the 2010 Iron Man sequel. Instead, viewers will be treated with a performance by the multi-talented Don Cheadle. Marvel made no official comment on the matter, but those close to the dealing say Terrence wouldn't appear due to "financial differences."

The sequel is set to star the Mandarin; the comic book character's long-running arch-nemesis. It's still unclear how they will adapt the villain's abilities for the big screen, but director Jon Favreau always has a few tricks up his sleeve.

Speculation states that Cheadle will take up the mantle as War Machine, an alternate suit of armor also designed by protagonist Tony Stark. As it stands now, all other main cast members including Robert Downey, Jr. and Gwyneth Paltrow will return for the sequel.