At Cinema-Con, Marvel announced that Robert Downey Jr. would be playing Dr. Doom in upcoming Avengers movies. Despite his character Iron Man’s demise in Avengers: Endgame, Downey’s return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe is highly anticipated. However, this comeback comes at a significant cost to Marvel.
Downey’s Lucrative Deal
According to Matt Belloni of Puck News, Downey is set to receive over $100 million in salary and bonuses for his role as Dr. Doom in Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars. His deal includes perks like private jet travel, dedicated security, and a trailer encampment. Variety reports that Downey has already earned between $500 million to $600 million from previous Marvel films, including four Avengers movies, three Iron Man films, and cameos in The Incredible Hulk, Captain America: Civil War, and Spider-Man: Homecoming.
The Russo Brothers’ Return
Downey’s return is contingent on the Russo Brothers directing the films. Marvel agreed, securing the Russos with an $80 million deal to direct both Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars. The Russo Brothers are known for their work on Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame, which filmed in Atlanta, Georgia. However, these new films will reportedly begin shooting in London and will be produced by the Russos’ AGBO outfit instead of Marvel’s in-house team.
Marvel’s decision to bring back Downey and the Russos seems strategic, especially after scrapping plans centered around Jonathan Majors’ Kang the Conqueror. Downey’s performance as Tony Stark was pivotal in the MCU’s early success, and Marvel hopes that familiar faces will attract audiences. The early box-office success of Deadpool and Wolverine supports this strategy.
Avengers: Doomsday is set for release on May 1, 2026, followed by Avengers: Secret Wars on May 7, 2027. Marvel is investing heavily in these films, with hopes that they will live up to the hype. As Variety suggests, “Marvel is also said to be spending ‘significantly more’ on Downey’s payday.”