Don Cheadle, a talented actor known for his portrayal of James Rhodes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), recently opened up about his notable absence in the Black Panther film series from Marvel Studios. Having played the role of Rhodey in six MCU movies, including Robert Downey Jr. starrer Iron Man 2 and the epic Avengers: Endgame, Cheadle’s contributions to the franchise cannot be overlooked. Even his brief but impactful appearance in Captain Marvel‘s post-credits scene adds to his impressive resume, totaling seven movies.
Given the significance of Rhodey’s character and his close ties to the Avengers, fans were surprised to see his absence in the Black Panther films. Especially considering his pivotal involvement in the climactic battle in Avengers: Infinity War, where he fought alongside the Wakandan forces against the formidable threat of Thanos and his army.
Read More: Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Review – A Triumph Of Unbreakable Spirit
Don Cheadle as War Machine
Will Don Cheadle Appear In Black Panther 3?
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Don Cheadle, the talented actor known for his role as War Machine in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, had previously expressed his keen interest in appearing alongside Samuel L. Jackson‘s Nick Fury in either Black Panther or its sequel, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
Cheadle’s comments subtly hinted at his disappointment with Marvel’s decision to exclude him and Jackson from both the Black Panther movies. He said that the two actors “should have been in Wakanda together,” suggesting a missed opportunity for their characters to be part of the vibrant world of Wakanda.
“Like Sam, I had a big chip on my shoulder — we thought we should have been in Wakanda together. We thought, ‘Really? You’re not going to pull us into Wakanda? Perfect opportunity.'”
The actor’s expressed desire to be part of the Black Panther franchise could indicate that he might engage in discussions with Marvel Studios about the potential for his inclusion in an upcoming installment. Considering the immense success and cultural significance of the Black Panther movies, it would be fitting to witness the presence of more beloved MCU stars, such as Cheadle, Anthony Mackie (Falcon), and Samuel L. Jackson, in the highly anticipated Black Panther 3.
Fans eagerly anticipate the possibility of seeing these talented actors join forces in the next chapter of the Black Panther saga, further celebrating Black representation within the MCU. As the cinematic universe continues to expand, the inclusion of established characters like War Machine and Nick Fury would undoubtedly enhance the already rich tapestry of storytelling and interconnectedness that Marvel Studios is known for.
Don Cheadle To Star In Armor Wars
Lt. Col. James “Rhodey” Rhodes made his cinematic debut in the 2008 film Iron Man, marking his introduction to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) from its inception. Initially portrayed by Terrence Howard, the role was later passed on to Don Cheadle in Iron Man 2, released in 2010. This film showcased Rhodey’s transformation into War Machine with the help of Stark’s industry rival, Justin Hammer.
Since then, Don Cheadle has truly made the character his own, appearing in six additional movies, including Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame. He also had a brief appearance in the Disney+ series, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, and has also appeared in the Disney+ series, Secret Invasion. However, he has yet to star in a standalone film.
Breaking the mold, Armor Wars will finally allow Lt. Col. Rhodes to step out of Tony Stark’s shadow and become a hero in his own right. Initially announced as a Disney+ series in December 2020, it was later revealed in September 2022 that Armor Wars would be developed into a movie. This change was made to ensure the story receives the necessary budget and resources to be done justice, making it the first MCU film to center around Don Cheadle’s War Machine.
Yassir Lester, who was onboard as a head writer when Armor Wars was planned as a series, is reportedly still involved in the project. Although the movie was not officially mentioned during SDCC 2022’s Phase 5 or Phase 6 announcements and is absent from the upcoming Multiverse Saga slate, recent confirmations indicate that Armor Wars is indeed moving forward.
Secret Invasion is currently streaming on Disney+.
Source: The Direct
