Movie News: Don Cheadle – Iron Man 2 – Steve Martin joins Streep, Baldwin in romantic comedy

Don Cheadle replaces Terrence Howard in Iron Man 2

Terrence Howard will not be returning for Iron Man 2, and will be replaced by Don Cheadle. Howard played James Rhodes, best friend of Tony Stark and the future armor-clad hero War Machine in this year’s blockbuster hit. One scene teased the appearance of War Machine in the next installment, a possibility confirmed last month by director Jon Favreau.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, negotiations between Marvel Studios and Howard fell through over financial differences, “among other reasons.” So, Marvel turned to Oscar-nominated Cheadle (Hotel Rwanda, Ocean’s Thirteen) not a bad second choice but Terrance would have made a great War Machine. Jon Favreau is returning as director, and Robert Downey Jr. is expected back as billionaire industrialist Stark/Iron Man. Gwyneth Paltrow also is expected to be back as Stark’s assistant, Pepper Potts. Iron Man 2 is scheduled for release April 30, 2010.

—————————————————————————————–

Steve Martin will join Meryl Streep and Alec Baldwin in the untitled romantic comedy that Nancy Meyers wrote and will direct in February.

Martin and Baldwin will play rivals for the affection of Streep’s character according to Variety. Meyers will make this film for Universal. Her previous two films were at Columbia in “Something’s Gotta Give” and “The Holiday.” Universal acquired foreign on the latter, and the film performed more strongly overseas than it did domestically.

Martin is reteaming with Meyers, who co-wrote and produced both of the “Father of the Bride” films in which Martin starred for Disney. Martin next reprises his role as Inspector Clouseau in “Pink Panther 2″ (groan!), which Sony releases on Feb. 6.