The Highest Paid Actor in Iron Man: Terrence Howard's Role

When many people think about the early days of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), they tend to focus on Tony Stark, played by Robert Downey Jr., and how he kickstarted this incredible film franchise. However, during the development of the first Marvel films, particularly in the early stage of Phase I, the choice of actors was crucial. One of the significant hires was Terrence Howard, who played Rhodey in Iron Man in 2008, making him one of the highest-paid actors at the time with a salary ranging between 3.5-4.5 million dollars. This article will explore why Howard was chosen and what his role meant for the MCU.

The Context of the MCU

Producers and creatives at Marvel were under immense pressure during the early stages of Phase I. Marvel was not the powerhouse it is today, and the company was struggling. The sole hope was the success of the first Iron Man movie. If Iron Man failed, the entire MCU would have crumbled, causing Marvel to lose significant rights, including their superhero legacy. At that time, other notable superhero films, such as X-Men and Spider-Man, were under the control of 20th Century Fox and Sony respectively, making the success of Iron Man even more critical.

Choosing Terrence Howard

Much like how Marvel approached the casting for Iron Man, the development of this project required a balance between financial constraints and the need to attract a high-profile actor. Marvel gave its stars too much leeway in the early stages, believing that without star power, superhero films wouldn't succeed. This led to some controversial decisions, such as letting Edward Norton take over the script and direction of The Incredible Hulk, despite his proven skills as an actor.

Terrence Howard was chosen for the role of Col. James Rhodes, aka War Machine, and his salary around 3.5-4.5 million dollars exemplified the economic pressures Marvel was under. While Howard is a highly skilled actor, his past performances in critically acclaimed films such as Crash (which won the Best Picture Oscar, and although it was successful, it didn't reach hundreds of millions) and Hustle Flow, made him a reasonable choice for the role.

Title Status Revenue Crash (2004) Acclaimed critical success, won Best Picture Oscar $$129,000,000 Hustle: Flow (2009) Commercial success $$91,000,000

Robert Downey Jr. and the Alternative Options

Apart from Terrence Howard, several other actors were considered for the role of Tony Stark. Robert Downey Jr. was a more economical choice, both financially and in terms of bringing a strong box office presence. Other actors who were offered the role included Nicolas Cage, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Tom Cruise. While these actors would bring immense star power, Marvel needed someone who could provide a balance between performance and financial benefits.

Robert Downey Jr. stood out not only because he was the cheaper option but also because he had more to lose. His 1997 arrest and public image issues meant that a success in Iron Man was critical for him. His comeback with Marvel helped not only the studio but also his career, reigniting thestype of success that Hollywood had seen with him in the 1990s.

Conclusion

Terrence Howard's role in Iron Man marked a significant moment in the early days of the MCU. His salary reflects the financial pressures Marvel was under and the delicate balance it needed to strike between star power and practical considerations. Howard's contribution to the success of the first Iron Man and the Marvel Cinematic Universe as a whole is noteworthy, placing him in the annals of Marvel movie history.