Photo Credit: Marvel Studios
Terrence Howard has a new theory about why he didn’t return as James “Rhodey” Rhodes in Iron Man 2.

Howard played Rhodey in 2008’s Iron Man, which was the first Marvel Studios movie to be part of the MCU. Howard, however, did not return for Iron Man 2; rather, the role was recast, leading to Don Cheadle’s casting.

There’s been much speculation regarding why Howard didn’t continue to play Rhodey in the MCU after the first Iron Man movie. Some reports have hinted at some on-set drama between Howard and director Jon Favreau, while others have cited pay discrepancies as the main reason. Howard has also previously alleged that Robert Downey Jr. may be responsible, to some degree.

What did Terrence Howard say about Iron Man 2?

Speaking on the PBD Podcast, per Entertainment Weekly, however, Howard reveals that he thinks the real reason he didn’t come back for Marvel‘s Iron Man 2 is because of an alleged incident that happened at the 2007 Venice Film Festival with producer Joel Silver.

Howard was at the event to promote a movie called The Brave One, which also stars Jodie Foster. At one point during the festival, Howard, who was recently nominated for an Oscar for Hustle & Flow, asked Silver why he wasn’t getting the same credit treatment as Foster was.

“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,’” Howard said. “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.’”

Silver’s producing partner on The Brave One was Downey Jr.’s wife, Susan Downey.

“Eight months later, I lose Iron Man,” Howard said. “And I’m sure that all of those things played their part.”