Don Cheadle hints at a fresh portrayal of James "Rhodey" Rhodes in Secret Invasion. Initially introduced as Tony Stark's close friend and military contact in Iron Man, Rhodey has undergone significant growth throughout his time in the MCU, taking on the persona of War Machine and fighting alongside the Avengers.
During the Secret Invasion press conference, Cheadle hinted at a notably different version of James "Rhodey" Rhodes. He referred to him as a "political animal" and discussed his new role serving the President. Cheadle expressed his enthusiasm for delving deeper into Rhodey's character and his dynamic with Nick Fury in Secret Invasion. Take a look at Cheadle's complete statement below:
Don Cheadle: In this series, we are exploring Rhodey's new role and his transformation into a political figure. While he has previously been known as a military man, he now serves as a right hand to the president and a special envoy. I am excited to delve deeper into his character and witness the evolution of his relationships with not only Nick Fury but also the rest of the cast members.
Secret Invasion Introduces a New Side of Rhodey
Rhodey, one of the original MCU heroes, has not received the same level of character development as the other characters. However, Secret Invasion will bring forth a different side of him, showcasing how he has transformed since the Blip and the death of Tony Stark. This version of Rhodey is not the same as the one introduced in the early phases of the MCU. He has evolved into a influential political figure, directly involved with the President, rather than just serving as War Machine.
Rhodey has witnessed the incredible abilities of both heroes and villains in this world. However, he has also witnessed the unintended destruction caused by the heroes' noble intentions. While the dynamic between Nick Fury and Rhodey remains unexplored, they approach their relationship from vastly different points in their lives. Nick Fury, no longer the omnipotent leader of S.H.I.E.L.D., will encounter Rhodey, who now holds significant political power and likely has the President's ear. This stark contrast in their positions may give rise to tension between them, particularly since Nick Fury may be the only human who truly comprehends the Skrull threat.
Additionally, Secret Invasion is laying the foundation for Rhodey to take center stage in his own story through the upcoming Armor Wars movie. By establishing Rhodey as a formidable political figure, his narrative becomes all the more intriguing, particularly if his actions become entangled with the potential misuse of Tony Stark's technology. While Secret Invasion will delve into the multi-faceted persona of Nick Fury, it appears that other characters who have yet to be fully explored, such as Rhodey, will also seize the opportunity to reveal new dimensions of themselves to the audience in the series.