But he is even more captivating in commanding dramatic roles alongside the talents of Sean Penn, Adam Sandler, and Denzel Washington in The Assassination of Richard Nixon, Reign Over Me, and Flight, respectively.Īfter starting out in the 1980s by giving audiences a glimpse of his skills in the Vietnam War film Hamburger Hill and the crime drama Colors, he gained even more notoriety in the following decade working under John Singleton in Rosewood, Paul Thomas Anderson in Boogie Nights, and Steven Soderbergh in Out of Sight and Traffic. He is Nicolas Cage’s angel in The Family Man another film where he works comedy into his routine. In fact, Cheadle has made a living playing opposite lead actors exceptionally well even before having Iron Man’s back in the MCU. Related Story: Matching 50 MCU characters with each of the 50 states He also pranks Bruce Banner into bowing in front of Black Panther during Infinity War and eases the tension in the room when the Avengers are deciding who should risk wearing the Iron Gauntlet in Endgame – Rhodey jokes that Thor has cheese wizz flowing through his veins. Still, Cheadle casually inserts Rhodey’s sense of humor as a way to break through serious situations, like finding the time when fighting the Ultron army to note that it will make a good War Machine story, calling back to an earlier anecdote in Age of Ultron. War Machine is the one who searches for Falcon when he disappears after Thanos’ snap. They argue over the Sokovia Accords like comfortable acquaintances with political differences in Civil War, then work together as the two airborne Avengers in Infinity War’s Wakandan battle. Throughout the MCU series, Rhodey also finds a sidekick companion in Falcon, as both are military veterans. Toward the end of the epic box-office behemoth, Rhodey loses his best friend, and Cheadle’s speechless reactions are tear-jerking.

His pairing with the former Guardians villainess does situate him in the ranks as one of the steelier Avengers, as he and Nebula agree that Star-Lord is kind of an idiot. In Endgame, he forms a bond with Nebula they both have a no-nonsense, get the job done attitude, and they both physically function with mechanical parts.

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Avengers: Secret Wars: Miles Morales/Spider-Man featured in stunning new poster.When does Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.X-Men: Chloe Bailey stuns as Storm in jaw-dropping image.X-Men: 7 actresses we want to see play Shadowcat in the MCU.Perhaps the best example of Cheadle’s ability to operate in a simultaneously serious and humorous space is in Civil War when he becomes paralyzed and demonstrates the struggle of an injured combatant learning to walk again, then instantly taunts Iron Man when Stan the mailman calls his buddy “Tony Stank.” Reverting back to War Machine, he later joins in on all subsequent Avenger assemblies Avengers: Age of Ultron, Captain America: Civil War, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame.Ĭheadle smoothly frames a binary personality for Rhodes, where his militaristic posture instantly earns honor and respect, while his more spirited disposition completes his unwavering likability, which also explains his placement as one of Tony Stark’s closest friends. Though, he does graduate from Colonel to superhero proper when he soars alongside Iron Man to contest Whiplash and the Hammer drones.Īfter missing out on the first Avenger gathering, Cheadle has a large role in Iron Man 3, where he briefly goes by the moniker Iron Patriot. In a slight betrayal on Rhodey’s part, he hands over the suit to the government and agrees to work with Justin Hammer. War Machine steps in to shut down Iron Man before he can accidentally hurt somebody. He first dons one of Tony’s designs in Iron Man 2 after his best friend recklessly gets drunk and goes out of control at a party. In a way, he is the MCU’s one and only War Machine, since Howard’s Rhodey only ever dreamed of suiting up in the first film, even leaving us with the promise of “next time, baby.” When it was Rhodes time to fly, Cheadle got to have all the fun.

By Josh Baggins 3 years ago Although Don Cheadle is the second actor to portray James Rhodes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, he is categorically accepted as the quintessential cinematic War Machine.Īfter Terrence Howard originated the live-action adaptation of Rhodey in Iron Man, Don Cheadle took the reins and took the character to new heights in both Iron Man sequels, as well as other Marvel Cinematic Universe team-ups.

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