iPHONE Entertainment Blog Buzz 10.15.08

In a surprise move, Don Cheadle will replace Terrence Howard as Robert Downey Jr’s best friend in “Iron Man 2,” the sequel to the superhero saga. In the Marvel Studios summer smash, Howard played Jim Rhodes, Tony Stark/Iron Man’s future armor-clad hero War Machine. One scene featured Howard looking at a silver suit of armor and saying “Next time,” a line that caused great delight for fans. But there will be no next time for Howard. Marvel had no comment, but sources close to the deal said negotiations with Howard fell through over financial differences, among other reasons. Marvel, which had wanted to work with Cheadle, then decided to take the role in another direction and approached the actor, who is shooting Antoine Fuqua’s “Brooklyn’s Finest” with Richard Gere and Ethan Hawke. (Continue Reading…) Mo’Nique has always been one to put it all out there — from discussing her “open” marriage in a magazine article, to the recent revelation that she was molested by her own brother growing up. Considering that, readers should expect nothing less than truth and real-life stories in her latest venture, a series of novels that kicked off last month with Beacon Hills High. (Continue Reading…) Researchers have found a possible new route taken by early modern humans as they expanded out of Africa to colonize the rest of the world. A study published in the journal PNAS proposes a “wet corridor” through Libya for ancient human migrations. Rivers once flowed from the central Saharan watershed all the way to the Mediterranean, the team explains. This might have enabled modern humans to spread beyond their ancestral homeland about 120,000 years ago. (Continue Reading…) "A Night for Vets: An MTV Concert for the BRAVE" — set to be hosted by MTV News correspondent Sway — will be taped in New York on October 23 and air on MTV on October 24. The show's goal is to raise awareness about veterans' causes, including employment, health care, homelessness and education. The concert will feature live performances from 50 Cent, Ludacris and Saving Abel, as well as taped performances from Kanye West, Kid Rock, Angels & Airwaves, Fall Out Boy, Juanes, Nelly and Taylor Swift. Others expected to make appearances during "A Night for Vets" include Beyoncé, Will Ferrell, Common, Fat Joe, Seth Green, Jennifer Hudson, John Legend and Wyclef Jean.  50 Cent, Rihanna, Leona Lewis, Boyz II Men and more will all be hitting the stage to help Justin Timberlake in his effort to raise money for sick  children.According to People, JT will be hosting a benefit concert this Friday, October 17th at the Planet Hollywood Resort Theatre for the Performing Arts in Las Vegas, Nevada.  Proceeds from the show wil go towards Shriners Hospitals for Children, which is an international health care system known for providing specialty pediatric care for over 20 hospitals.Tickets for the show are currently being auctioned off at CharityFolks.com  with the final bid ending Wednesday (October 15) at 5 p.m. EST Great films don’t need the air of big budgets.  An organic blend of allure, grip, and rouse are what station movies in success.  This Friday's The Secret Life of Bees proves that formula, starring a resplendent cast of women: Queen Latifah, Dakotah Fanning, Jennifer Hudson, Alicia Keys, and Sophie Okonedo. Moved by the script’s stunning essence, all five actresses even agreed to a pay-cut when director/screen-writer, Gina Price-Bythewood, spoke of the film’s low funds – a validation that lighter checks would not keep Bees from buzzing. Alicia Keys leads the nominees for the 2008 American Music Awards with five nominations. Lil Wayne and Chris Brown follow with three nominations apiece. Among the artists with two nominations each are Kanye West, Rihanna, Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige, and Usher.Winners will be  announced on Sunday, November 23rd during a ceremony held at the NOKIA Theatre L.A. LIVE in downtown Los Angeles. Artists set to perform include Rihanna, Ne-Yo, and the Pussycat Dolls, among others. Jimmy Kimmel will host the show for the fifth year. Underwood and Daughtry's band Daughtry and each received two 2008 AMA nominations while Sparks received one. Underwood's album "Carnival Ride," which debuted at No. 1 in October 2007 and has sold more than 2.3 million copies since, will compete for Favorite Country Album -- the same award it won last year. No surprise here! Johnny Depp has been crowned Sexiest Male in a new poll conducted by Britain’s Cosmopolitan. He beat out one of Hollyscoop’s faves, George Clooney, and Jake Gyllenhaal for the top honor. THAT'S A WRAP!