Robert Downey Jr. Gives Terrence Howard Credit For His Casting As Iron Man

Robert Downey Jr. credited actor Terrence Howard for being responsible for his casting as Iron Man in the new book, "The Story of Marvel Studios: The Making of the Marvel Cinematic Universe."

In the book, the 56-year-old actor expressed his gratitude towards Howard. "While I have your car, I'll reach way back to day one, and express gratitude to Howard (our original Rhode), who was integral to my being cast," the actor wrote.

The book features stories from cast and crew members who helped to shape the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Howard played James Rhodes' character in 2008's "Iron Man," before Don Cheadle took over the role in the sequel of the movie which was released in 2010.

In 2013, Howard appeared on the talk show, "Watch What Happens Live" and revealed why he did not come back as Rhodes in the sequel.

"It turns out that the person I helped become Iron Man ... when it was time to re-up for the second one, (he) took the money that was supposed to go to me and pushed me out," Howard said during the interview.

Howard went on to explain that he had a three-picture deal with the studio and they already had a certain amount fixed for the first, second and third installment of "Iron Man."

"They came to me with the second and said, 'Look, we will pay you one-eighth of what we contractually had for you, because we think the second one will be successful with or without you.' And I called my friend - that I helped get the first job - and he didn't call me back for three months," he noted.

At that time, the host asked how things are between him and Downey. "Oh, I love him. God's going to bless him," Howard replied.

On the work front, Howard will be next seen in the movies like "The Walk," "The System," "Selfie," "Beneath" and "Afterward."

Downey, on the other hand, will star in a comedy sports drama, "All-Star Weekend," which is under post-production. He will also appear in a miniseries, "The Sympathizer," which is under pre-production.