Returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Doctor Doom might be an unexpected move for Robert Downey Jr., but his eye-watering paycheck might have made the choice a little clearer.
Thereaction has been divided, with many split between whether the casting decision is a genius move or a desperate grab for relevancy. Either way, one thing’s for sure: Marvel has spent a lot of money on making this happen.
Asreportedby Variety, Robert Downey Jr. is set to earn more than $80 million to star as Doom in theupcoming Marvel movies, now titledAvengers: DoomsdayandAvengers: Secret Wars.
His deal is also set to include other perks, such as “private jet travel, dedicated security, and a whole trailer encampment.”
Anthony and Joe Russo, who will also return to the MCU to direct the twonew movies, will be earning $80 million from the deal, with Downey reportedly earning “significantly more” than this already eye-watering sum.
Sources say that Downey is most certainly the highest-paid person in the MCU, having earned between $500-$600 million across his four Avengers movies, three Iron Man solo movies, and continued cameos throughout the on-screen universe.
Other sources claim that Downey’s main condition for returning to the superhero movie fold was for the Russo Brothers to return as well. Considering how the Russo’s two previous Avengers movies (Infinity War and Endgame) earned around $4.851 billion combined, that seems like a reasonable request.
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For more, check out everything to come inMarvel’s Phase 6. You can also read our feature on whyMarvel’s SDCC panel proves the studio isn’t doomed, and take a look at the upcomingFantastic FourandCaptain America 4movies.
Jessica Cullen is a TV and Movies Writer on Dexerto’s UK team. She’s previously written for The Digital Fix, Cosmopolitan, Refinery29, Slate and more. Aside from being the residential Yellowstone expert, she also loves Westerns, ’90s action movies, and true crime. You can email her here: jessica.cullen@dexerto.com.
