10 Awesome Movie Characters Everybody Forgot Was Recast

10. USAF Lt. Col. James Rhodes - The MCU

One of the most infamous examples of an actor being recast between one movie and its sequel concerns the most financially successful franchise in film history, the MCU. James "Rhodey" Rhodes, whose superhero alter ego is War Machine, was originally played by Terrence Howard, but he only managed one film in the franchise.

Ironically, Howard was the highest-paid actor in 2008's Iron Man, which may have been one of the reasons he wasn't asked to return. There have been numerous stories as to the actual reason Don Cheadle was called in to replace the actor, but nobody knows for certain except for the people involved.

Some rumors suggest he demanded more money than the fledgling Marvel Studios was willing to pay while others indicate director Jon Favreau wasn't satisfied with his performance. Whatever the cause of Howard's termination in the MCU, it's all the more troubling thanks to a single line in Iron Man.

The scene in question shows Howard's Rhodey leaving Tony Stark's garage where he sees a silver suit of armor. Just when you think War Machine will make an appearance, he utters the line, "Next time, baby!" Sadly, for Howard, there would be no next time... for him at least.