Don Cheadle first joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Colonel James 'Rhodey' Rhodes in 2010's Iron Man 2. Since then, he's appeared in multiple films from Iron Man 3 to Captain America: Civil War. The character also joined the fight against the Mad Titan Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War, and he helped save the universe in Avengers: Endgame. Now, after ten years, the actor's contract with Marvel is over. However, as fans all know, that doesn't mean they won't see War Machine in the MCU again.
After all, other actors such as Robert Downey, Jr. and Chris Evans extended their contracts with Marvel for further appearances. And while Rhodey isn't the biggest member of the Avengers, he's still a character with plenty of potential left. But where could he show up next with no more Iron Man or Avengers film currently planned is still a mystery. However, it just so happens the character's arc could next take him to space in Captain Marvel 2.
In Avengers: Endgame, Rhodey joined Earth's Mightiest Heroes in their mission to travel through time and collect the Infinity Stones from the past. For his part, Rhodey partnered with Nebula on the planet Morag to steal the Power Stone before Peter Quill ever had a chance to. It was a brief mission for him, but still, one that took the character out into the cosmos -- a very long way from where he started. What's more, in Endgame, fans also saw the hint of a spark between Rhodey and Carol Danvers during their mission briefing with Natasha Romanoff. They might have been worlds apart, but Carol still took the time to wish Rhodey good luck on his latest mission on Earth.
The look between the two might have been nothing, or it might have been a nod to the respect the two characters share given that they both have a U.S. military background. But, then again, it could also end up being the first seeds planted for a relationship. After all, in the comics, Carol Danvers and James Rhodes have struck up a romance in recent years. In fact, they are currently one of Marvel's most stable couples, despite the fact that Carol's adventures often take her far away from Earth. Since the couple is such an important part of Marvel's modern comics, it would be cool to see the relationship adapted on the big screen. Since Carol and Rhodey already know each other pretty well, she could ask him for help in whatever threat she finds herself up against in Captain Marvel 2.
In Phase 3 of the MCU, Marvel saw the potential in teaming characters up in solo films. Therefore, Tony Stark joined Peter Parker in Spider-Man: Homecoming, Thor and Hulk teamed up in Thor: Ragnarok and Scott Lang and Hope Van Dyne joined forces in Ant-Man and the Wasp. It stands to reason the trend may yet continue in Phases 4 and 5. Teaming up Captain Marvel with War Machine would be an interesting pairing between the old and new guards of the Avengers, and it would allow Rhodey to shine in a different setting.
On top of that, the character has the new Iron Patriot armor that barely saw any action in Avengers: Endgame. The two are practically already ready to team up, and with Iron Man gone, it would be nice to see that there is still an armored superhero in MCU keeping Earth, and the cosmos, safe from all manner of threats.
Written by Megan McDonnell and starring Brie Larson, Captain Marvel 2 arrives in theaters July 8, 2022. Up next for the MCU is Black Widow. Directed by Cate Shortland, the film stars Scarlett Johansson as Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow, Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova, David Harbour as Alexei Shostakov/Red Guardian, O-T Fagbenle as Rick Mason and Rachel Weisz. The film is scheduled for release on Nov. 6.