Terrence Howard believes producer threat cost him Iron Man role
Terrence Howard once threatened to punch a Hollywood producer's teeth out - and believes the row led to him being dropped from Iron Man 2.
Terrence Howard threatened to punch a Hollywood producer's teeth out - and believes the row led to him being dropped from Iron Man 2.
The 56-year-old actor was promoting his movie The Brave One at the 2007 Venice Film Festival and he agreed with a reporter who questioned why he hadn't received top billing alongside co-star Jodie Foster, only for his frustration to then be highlighted to producer Joel Silver.
Speaking on the PBD Podcast, Terrence recalled: "Joel Silver came and had a conversation with me, and he's like, 'The reason your name isn't above the titles is because you're not the star of this thing — it's Jodie.
"And if you get nominated for an Oscar, it's going to be for Supporting Actor, not Best Actor.'
"And I was like, 'Thank you for telling me that, now I understand. But, you have to remember that I'm a man just like you, and if you ever talk to me in that way again, I'm going to knock your teeth out of your mouth.' "
The Brave One was co-produced by Susan Downey, who is married to Iron Man's titular actor Robert Downey Jr., and Terrence was convinced he was dropped from playing his sidekick James 'Rhodey' Rhodes in Iron Man 2 as a result.
He added: "Eight months later, I lose Iron Man. And I'm sure that all of those things played their part."
The Empire actor - who had played the role in 2008's Iron Man but was replaced by Don Cheadle in the sequel - believes his "aggression" and a "need to be a man" played a part in him losing the job, and potentially other projects.
He later recalled a conversation with Denzel Washington, who gave him a stark warning about his apparent attitude.
Terrence remembered: "He told me, 'Look at your hands, your fists are all balled up. 'All of these producers are trying to open your hand so they can put money in it, but you won't do it; you keep your hands all tight. And you're blowing it.' "
It was previously reported by Entertainment Weekly that director Jon Favreau was unhappy with Terrence's performance in the first film and had wanted to significantly cut down the role in the sequel, which would have meant a pay cut for the actor.
Terrence previously described the news he was being replaced by Don as the "surprise of a lifetime".
