New faces in old spaces

By Patrick Day, Jevon Phillips and Lora Victorio, Los Angeles Times staff writers

Last year give us a new Joker, new Bond girls and even a new Maxwell Smart. In 2009, we'll be introduced to a new Capt. Kirk.

Sometimes these changes are made to introduce a new generation to a beloved brand, as in the rebirth of this year's " Star Trek." Sometimes it's a business decision.

Terrence Howard won't be reprising his role as Lt. Col. James “Rhodey” Rhodes in "Iron Man 2," a part which will instead be played by Don Cheadle. Indeed, "Iron Man" is the latest franchise to see a bit of a shake-up, but far from the first.