Robert Downey Jr. has announced his return to Marvel, but instead of reprising his role as Iron Man, he will play the villain Doctor Doom. However, the cost of bringing back core team members is not low. Sources reveal that Marvel will pay $80 million to Anthony and Joe Russo to direct “Avengers 5” and “Avengers 6,” and will spend even more on Downey to play the super-villain “Doctor Doom.”
It is reported that Downey is the highest-paid member of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), with earnings of $500 to $600 million from all his starring and cameo films. His only condition for returning is that the films must be directed by the Russo brothers: “They are the only ones he is willing to work with.”
The Russo brothers’ contract does not include a box office share, but it includes performance bonuses when the box office reaches $750 million and $1 billion. The Russo brothers will also produce these two films through their own AGBO company. This means a significant change for Marvel, as they are less likely to collaborate with external producers and prefer internal teams. Although the previous two “Avengers” movies directed by the Russo brothers were filmed in Atlanta, Georgia, the new films will begin shooting in London, England, in the second quarter of 2025.
For Downey, who propelled Marvel to box office heights with the “Iron Man” series, Marvel has prepared a contract full of various benefits, including a private jet, exclusive security, and a complete “trailer camp.” It is worth mentioning that Downey won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor this year for his role in “Oppenheimer.”