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The Hollywood Reporter says that Don Cheadle will replace Terrence Howard as 'Iron Man''s best friend, Jim Rhodes, in the blockbuster's highly anticipated sequel. Marvel Studios could not confirm the report to ET.
THR says Marvel Studios offered no comment about the switcheroo, but adds that a source says Howard backed over financial differences during his negotiations.
The trade paper says fans can expect to see Cheadle's Jim Rhodes play a bigger role in the highly anticipated sequel, which will find Robert Downey Jr. (Tony Stark / Iron Man) and director Jon Favreau returning. Gwyneth Paltrow is "expected back" as Starks' girlfriend Pepper Potts, says the THR.
'Iron Man 2' is expected to smash into theaters in Spring 2010.