From his initial introduction in 2008’s Iron Man to his substantial presence in subsequent Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) movies, Lt. Col. James “Rhodey” Rhodes has been a consistent figure in this expansive universe. Initially portrayed by Terrence Howard and later taken over by Don Cheadle, Rhodey’s journey has evolved over the years. Though he has appeared in numerous films and series, including the recent Disney+ series, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and the forthcoming Secret Invasion, he hasn’t had a solo cinematic venture. But, all that’s about to change.
Stepping Out of Stark’s Shadow
Rhodey has been in the MCU since its inception. While he’s appeared in various capacities, he’s mostly been seen as Tony Stark’s ally and best friend. But with the upcoming “Armor Wars“, Rhodey is all set to emerge from Stark’s considerable shadow, establishing himself as a hero in his own right.
“Armor Wars” Trailer: Where is it?
As of now, no trailer for “Armor Wars” has been unveiled since the movie is still in its pre-production stage. Don Cheadle, who reprises his role as Rhodey, mentioned in an interview, “I haven’t seen any script, I don’t know where it’s headed, but I am excited for its potential.”
Given the current release schedule, if “Armor Wars” precedes “Captain America: New World Order” set for 2024, we might expect a trailer early in the year. But, everything is speculative until official announcements are made.
The Shift from Series to Film
Interestingly, “Armor Wars” was initially slated as a Disney+ series when announced in December 2020. However, a significant shift in September 2022 saw Marvel Studios redesigning it as a feature film. Marvel producer Nate Moore explained that capturing the essence of the story, which involves showcasing a multitude of armors and Don Cheadle’s interactions with them, was financially challenging as a series. Moreover, a film would allow them to intertwine the storyline with other upcoming movies.
Timeline of Events
“Armor Wars” is set after the events of “Secret Invasion.” It dives deep into Rhodey’s story after his imposter Skrull’s revelation and his subsequent return.
Plot Speculations for “Armor Wars”
While no official plot has been released, some tidbits provide a glimpse into what the narrative might entail. Cheadle hinted that the aftermath of Tony Stark’s demise would play a pivotal role. “The death of Tony Stark, I’m pretty sure, will play a role in the series,” he mentioned in a 2021 interview.
Expanding on this, Cheadle delved deeper into his character’s journey. “In every successive film, he’s gradually stepping out of Tony’s shadow, but we haven’t truly explored his core. That’s what the movie aims for,” he expressed.
Drawing parallels from the comic lore, “Armor Wars” is expected to revolve around Tony Stark’s technology getting into the wrong hands, prompting Rhodey to retrieve it and prevent its misuse.
The Comic Book Connection
In the comics, “Armor Wars” revolves around Stark’s tech being purloined by Spymaster, who was commissioned by Justin Hammer. This technology eventually finds its way into the possession of various supervillains, leading to widespread chaos. Feeling the weight of responsibility, Stark, along with Rhodey, embarks on a mission to neutralize this threat.
This narrative is familiar in the MCU, with earlier movies like “Iron Man” and “Iron Man 2” touching upon similar themes of stolen Stark technology. However, “Armor Wars” will focus more on retrieving this stolen tech rather than merely defeating a singular antagonist.
Behind-the-Scenes of “Armor Wars”
At this point, Yassir Lester, known for his work on Adult Swim’s “Black Dynamite” and “Mr. Pickles,” has been revealed as one of the talents working behind the scenes.
Cast Announcements
Don Cheadle remains the solitary confirmed actor for “Armor Wars.” However, based on the comics and existing MCU properties, there’s a likelihood we could see characters like Ironheart, Nick Fury, and the new Captain America, Sam Wilson.
In terms of antagonists, potential links with “Secret Invasion” could introduce Skrull villains. Given Rhodey’s connections with military and government bodies, adversaries could emerge from these backgrounds.
And, of course, the long-standing joke among comic aficionados – will we see the iconic Stilt-Man? Only time will tell.
In Conclusion
“Armor Wars” is shaping up to be a significant chapter in the MCU, focusing on Rhodey’s evolution and journey. While much remains under wraps, the anticipation is palpable. The film promises to delve deep into the repercussions of stolen Stark tech and War Machine’s efforts to reclaim it. As we eagerly await more official updates, one thing’s certain: Rhodey is finally getting his time in the spotlight.
