Don Cheadle has told
MTV out in Sundance that as far as he knows, War Machine won't be appearing in The Avengers, Marvel's superhero ensemble movie that shoots later this Spring for a release next May.
I dont think he shows up in [Avengers]... I think hes kind of a lone wolf.
I know initially when Marvel drew up plans for The Avengers and certainly when Terrence Howard held the mantle of War Machine, the idea was for the character to play a substantial part in the team-up movie, as big a role as Captain America and Thor - but I guess they've added in Jeremy Renner's Hawkeye since and he has taken War Machine's place. Though Cheadle does then go on to say that he's been kept "out of the loop" in regards to the current goings on at Marvel, including
Jon Favreau's recent exit from Iron Man 3 duties. So don't be overly surprised if War Machine turns up for a small cameo when all is said and done. Cheadle did reveal however that Marvel have hired a writer for the War Machine spin-off movie that
has been on the cards since November.
Theyre developing it now, theyre working on that...I think theyve hired a writer, so well see how it goes. It would be a lot of fun.
This brings up the question - is Don Cheadle, a superb actor of course but not one who has ever been a box office draw - is he the kind of name that can sell a huge comic book blockbuster on this own? It may be a War Machine spin-off by name but this writer thinks it'll be filled with recognisable supporting characters if it ever does get off the ground.