It's easy to forget that War Machine is one of the Marvel Cinematic Universe's oldest characters. He appeared in the first Iron Man, although he was played by Terrence Howard rather than Don Cheadle (who replaced Howard in Iron Man 2) and didn't suit up in his iconic armor. There were rumors early on that a solo War Machine film was possible, but the idea never seemed to gain traction. Why the heck not?
The next theatrical MCU release, set for May 2020, will be Black Widow. The movie will finally give the super-spy Avenger her own solo piece a decade after her first appearance in Iron Man 2. The project will be the first time that Marvel focuses on one of its previously established and well-fleshed-out characters in their own film, and the trailer teases all the depth and intrigue promised by Natasha's backstory since her earliest MCU appearance. Similarly, Hawkeye is slated for a Disney+ series, showing that Black Widow is far from a one off. So when will War Machine get his turn?
The hero surely has a backstory as worthy of attention and examination as the two super spies. Similar to Natasha and Clint, Colonel James "Rhodey" Rhodes was a soldier first and foremost who cared about his government and fought to protect it. When the world graduated to power armor and super abilities it did not deter him, it only meant he needed to up his game. Finding out what exactly makes Rhodey tick, how he's changed over the course of becoming a hero and how his paralysis during Captain America: Civil War has affected him are all ripe with story potential.
What gives the idea of a War Machine movie or show particular promise now are the iron boots left to fill in the wake of Tony's death in Avengers: Endgame. While Spider-Man: Far From Home already explored how Tony's death impacted Spider-Man, Rhodey is one of his oldest friends and a natural successor to adopt his mantle. One of Rhodey's best known arcs from the comics involved him becoming Iron Man in Tony's absence, and watching him inherit the role could be one of the most emotionally satisfying moments in MCU history.
All of the pieces certainly seem to be in place. With Don Cheadle open to such a project, the MCU already focusing on pre-established characters in other movies and shows and the story bursting with possibilities, the only thing really necessary to get a War Machine film going is demand from fans. And demand is something there should be plenty of.
In both comics and movies, Marvel is trending toward diversity in their cast of characters and the role models they provide to fans. Sam Wilson is already set to inherit Captain America's shield, Black Panther 2 is scheduled for a 2022 release and new heroes of color like Ms. Marvel and Shang Chi will soon to be introduced into the franchise. Making such a well liked, longstanding character the focus of a solo film would further highlight the emphasis Marvel is putting on diversity and representation. Plus, the chance to see Rhodey tell his "Boom! You lookin' for this?" story one more time is worth the price of admission alone.