After being part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe since the very beginning, Marvel Studios needs to decide what’s next for War Machine. Colonel James Rhodes has been a key character for 18 years, but it’s become a concern that he hasn’t had a dedicated movie or series of his own.
Many Marvel fans feel that War Machine’s role in the MCU hasn’t been well-defined. While he’s appeared in several movies as a supporting character, his individual storyline has been a point of contention, especially since we haven’t seen him in his armor for a long time.
War Machine Hasn’t Suited Up In The MCU Since Avengers: Endgame
Rhodey last appeared as War Machine or Iron Patriot in the 2019 film Avengers: Endgame. That means it’s been quite a while since we’ve seen the character, especially considering he first appeared in 2008’s Iron Man as Tony Stark’s friend and ally. Terrence Howard originally played the role, but Don Cheadle took over in 2010’s Iron Man 2.
Since the movie Endgame, James Rhodes (Colonel Rhodes) has continued to appear in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, first in the Falcon and the Winter Soldier in 2021 and then in Secret Invasion in 2023. Notably, he didn’t wear his War Machine armor in either of these appearances.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe is constantly introducing new heroes, but some fans feel like the original characters aren’t getting enough attention. For example, War Machine was crucial in building the MCU, yet he hasn’t starred in his own film or TV series.
Originally announced as a series in 2020, Armor Wars was changed to a movie in 2022. Since then, updates on the project have been scarce, and it hasn’t been confirmed whether War Machine will appear in Avengers: Doomsday or Secret Wars.
Secret Invasion Truly Messed Up Rhodey’s MCU Arc (Big Time)
It’s worrying that there doesn’t seem to be a clear plan, but it’s also understandable considering the difficult situation Rhodey faced in the 2023 Secret Invasion series.
The show Secret Invasion received a lot of criticism and is considered one of the lowest-rated Marvel shows. A major point of contention was the reveal that Rhodey had been replaced by a Skrull, and fans particularly questioned when this switch actually happened within the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Based on clues within the show Secret Invasion and statements from its director, it seems the actual War Machine hasn’t been fully operational since the events of Captain America: Civil War. Rhodey sustained injuries in that conflict that left him paralyzed from the waist down, and he now relies on advanced leg braces to walk.
Everyone else rescued from Gravik’s Skrull uprising was wearing everyday clothes, but Rhodey was uniquely found in a hospital gown. The show’s finale also hinted that he’d been held captive by the Skrulls for a longer time than the other victims.
If it’s true that Rhodey has been unable to fight since Civil War, it’s really sad. That means he wasn’t there for the big fight against Thanos in Infinity War, or the time travel mission and final battle in Endgame.
Most significantly, it meant Rhodey never had the chance to say goodbye to Tony, who gave his life using the Infinity Stones in the final battle of Avengers: Endgame.
Understandably, many Marvel Cinematic Universe fans are unhappy with this, as it diminishes a key part of War Machine’s story. However, it’s possible this could still provide an interesting foundation for Rhodey’s character in the Armor Wars series – though it’s not a certainty.
Beyond The Next Avengers Movies, War Machine Desperately Needs Armor Wars
Considering everything, an Armor Wars project now seems essential to get War Machine’s story back on track and give the character the focus he deserves in the MCU.
Following the events of Secret Invasion, we might see Rhodey focused on regaining lost ground and safeguarding Tony Stark’s legacy. But that depends on how the story is told.
Given the negative reaction to Secret Invasion, Marvel Studios may avoid mentioning anything from the show, including the theory that Rhodey was secretly replaced by an alien years ago. That makes Armor Wars even more important – not only would it finally give War Machine his own dedicated story, but it could also help distance the Marvel Cinematic Universe from one of its least popular series.
Although War Machine could fit into events like Doomsday or Secret Wars, those movies are already expected to have a huge number of characters and plotlines. This could leave little space to explore his complex situation, if Marvel decides to do so.
For Rhodey, seeing Doctor Doom wearing Tony Stark’s face would be incredibly painful, no matter if he witnessed Iron Man’s death firsthand or not.
If Rhodey, as War Machine, hadn’t been with Tony during his last moments, that deserves a significant story of its own, not just a brief mention in a larger plot. Regardless of where the Marvel Cinematic Universe goes next, the ‘Armor Wars’ story is essential.
Found an error? Send it info@screenrant.com so it can be corrected.
Read More
- Looks Like SEGA Is Reheating PS5, PS4 Fan Favourite Sonic Frontiers in Definitive Edition
- Pluribus Star Rhea Seehorn Weighs In On That First Kiss
- Dune 3 Gets the Huge Update Fans Have Been Waiting For
- Kelly Osbourne Slams “Disgusting” Comments on Her Appearance
- Gold Rate Forecast
- Arknights: Endfield – Everything You Need to Know Before You Jump In
- Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream ‘Welcome Version’ demo now available
- Xbox 360 and PS3 Series Not Seen Since 2013 Reportedly Returning With New Game
- Paradise producer hints that series will end with third season as season 2 premieres
- Why Eriksholm: The Stolen Dream Could Be 2025’s Standout Stealth Experience
2026-03-31 03:09