Terrence Howard is reflecting on a moment he believes may have cost him a role in one of Hollywood’s biggest franchises.
During a recent appearance on the PBD Podcast, the actor spoke about a heated exchange with producer Joel Silver while promoting the 2007 film The Brave One. Howard said the tension began after he questioned why his name did not appear beside Jodie Foster’s on the movie poster.
According to Howard, Silver reminded him that Foster was the film’s lead star.
“He said, ‘The reason your name isn’t above the titles is because you’re not the star of this thing. It’s Jodie,’” Howard recalled.
The conversation escalated after that. Howard said he responded by warning the producer not to speak to him in that tone again.
“I told him, ‘You have to remember I’m a man just like you. If you ever talk to me that way again, I’mma knock your teeth out,’” he said.
Howard believes that confrontation may have later affected his career.
“Then maybe eight months later, I lose Iron Man,” he said. “I’m sure that all of those things played their part.”
Howard played James Rhodes in the first Iron Man film before Don Cheadle took over the role in later installments. The actor also recalled advice from Denzel Washington, who once told him, “Producers are trying to put money in your hands, but you won’t open them.”