Terence Howard has been talking up his role as Jim Rhodes in the “Iron Man” franchise, also promising reporters that Tony Stark’s sidekick would eventually sport an armor suit himself as the heroic War Machine.  Jim might, but Howard won’t.

The latest news from MTV Movies is that Howard will be replaced by Don Cheadle after negotiations between him and Marvel Studios broke down over financial considerations.  As recently as August, Howard had confirmed his participation in Iron Man 2, saying he was preparing for the role by working out.

Right now little is known about the Iron Man 2 plot, other than small hints from the director that the sequel would feature appearances by longtime villian Mandarin and potentially other Avengers.  The film is not set for release until May 7, 2010.