Robert Downey Jr. is set to make a dramatic return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), not as the beloved Iron Man, but in the role of the supervillain Doctor Doom in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars. This unexpected twist in casting has stirred significant excitement among fans and industry watchers alike.
The Russo Brothers, acclaimed for their direction of major MCU hits such as Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, as well as both Captain America: Winter Soldier and Captain America: Civil War, are also making a comeback. They will helm these two forthcoming Avengers films, promising to bring their successful touch back to the superhero franchise.
A recent report by Variety has disclosed the substantial compensation packages for both Downey and the Russo Brothers. The directors are set to receive a whopping US$80 million for their efforts on the two films. Although their contract does not include back-end compensation typically given in blockbuster deals, it does feature performance escalators that activate when box office returns reach US$750 million and US$1 billion, signalling potential high earnings based on the films’ financial success.
This marks the first collaboration between Marvel Studios and an external production company, specifically the Russo Brothers’ AGBO banner, indicating a new production model for the studio.
Robert Downey Jr., already one of the highest-paid actors in the history of the MCU, will outpace the Russo Brothers’ earnings, securing a deal that includes over US$80 million. His contract also encompasses additional luxuries such as jet travel, dedicated security, and a personal trailer encampment, underlining the high value placed on his return to the MCU.
Since the launch of the MCU with Iron Man in 2008, Downey has been a pivotal figure in its expansion, appearing in three Iron Man films, four Avengers films, and making significant cameos in Captain America: Civil War, The Incredible Hulk, and Spider-Man: Homecoming. His earnings from these roles are estimated to be between US$500 million to US$600 million.
Avengers: Doomsday is scheduled for release in May 2026, followed by Avengers: Secret Wars in May 2027, setting the stage for what promises to be a monumental phase in the MCU saga.
Natalie is a big fan of anything related to movies, TV shows, games, and comics — you name it. When she’s not reading or geeking out about the latest shows on Netflix, she’s probably playing gacha and tabletop games, or daydreaming of meeting her idols.
