At Cinema-Con, Marvel dropped the bombshell news that Robert Downey Jr. would be playing Dr. Doom in the upcoming Avengers movies. While Downey previously expressed an interest in returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe following the demise of his beloved character Iron Man in Avengers: Endgame, new reports indicate that his comeback is nonetheless costing Marvel a pretty penny.
Matt Belloni of Puck News reports that Downey is set to receive more than $100 million in salary and bonuses for playing Dr. Doom in Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars. Additionally, Variety reports that the actor’s deal includes perks such as private jet travel, dedicated security, and a whole “trailer encampment.”
All that’s in addition to the $500 – $600 million dollars Downey has already earned from Marvel for playing Iron Man in the previous four Avengers movies, three Iron Man films, and cameos in The Incredible Hulk, Captain America: Civil War, and Spider-Man: Homecoming.
Variety also reports that Downey would only return to the MCU if the Russo Brothers directed the films he’d be starring in — which Marvel agreed to. But that’s also a pricey line item, as the Russo Brothers will reportedly be paid $80 million to direct both Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars.
Avengers: Doomsday is set for release on May 1st, 2026, with Avengers: Secret Wars following on May 7th, 2027.