Robert Downey Jr is preparing to break a film industry record: his new role will earn him an impressive sum. It was announced on Monday that the actor is making a surprise return to the Marvel universe, but not as his favourite character Iron Man, but as Fantastic Four villain Dr Doom in two new Avengers films. The ‘Oppenheimer’ star and Oscar winner will reportedly receive more than $80 million in royalties, with further payments expected to be based on the film’s box office performance. By the way, the privileges in Downey Jr’s contract are also impressive: the rider includes flights on a private jet, special security and a whole ‘trailer camp’. This will allow the actor to bypass on fees Bruce Willis, Tom Cruise and Will Smith and become the highest-paid film star of all time.
Downey Jr. is the highest paid member of the Marvel film universe, earning $512 million for his role as Iron Man Tony Stark, whom he has played in four Avengers films, three Iron Man films and cameo roles in other Marvel films. Although his character Tony Stark is already dead, the multiverse franchise will allow him to return. His role as Doctor Doom was announced on Monday, July 29, at Comic Con in San Diego. Film industry executives hope Downey Jr’s return will mark the franchise’s return to billions of dollars in box office receipts. The previous two Avengers films were shot in the US, but the new instalments will be filmed in London, starting in spring 2025.
