Marvel Is Bringing Back War Machine’s Original Role In The MCU

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War Machine is getting back his original role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. James Rhodes (Don Cheadle) is one of the few characters introduced in Phase 1 that are still in the franchise. In fact, it seems like he's about to be a more prominent role player in Phase 4 and beyond with various upcoming appearances, including his own Disney+ series, Armor Wars. Based on what's known about the character's upcoming fate, however, it does seem like Marvel Studios is reviving his original role in the universe.

Originally played by Terrence Howard in Iron Man, the character was recast in Iron Man 2 due to a falling out between the studio and the original actor. Since then, Cheadle has been playing the part, appearing in a total of nine MCU projects thus far, playing an important role in Captain America: Civil War and the Battle of Wakanda in Avengers: Infinity War. Aside from Armor Wars, which is currently undated but is expected to arrive on Disney+, a new Secret Invasion set image hints that he will be involved in that as well. It's uncertain as to what extent he'll be involved, but the photo sees him with the new American president.

Related: How Each Remaining Original Avenger Should Exit The MCU

After his brief cameo in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, the Secret Invasion image further solidifies the idea that Marvel Studios is bringing back Rhodey's original MCU role. When the character was introduced in Iron Man, he acted as a liaison between the military in the Department of Acquisitions and Stark Industries. He was mostly doing administrative duties, calling the shots in headquarters until he got a hold of an Iron Man suit and became War Machine. In Iron Man 3 and as he recalled in Avengers: Age of Ultron, he became