Following the announcement at San Diego Comic-Con of Robert Downey Jr.’s return as the MCU’s Doctor Doom, it has been revealed how much he and the Russo brothers will earn for Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars
Marvel Studios has changed its original plans to make Kang the Conqueror the big villain of the Multiverse Saga, pivoting instead toward Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday (previously announced as Avengers: The Kang Dynasty in 2022) and Avengers: Secret WarsThe Russo brothers will direct both films, while Avengers: Endgame co-writer Stephen McFeely has replaced Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness writer Michael Waldron as the sole writer.
Robert Downey Jr. returns to the MCU as Doctor Doom
The biggest news coming out of Hall H was, without a doubt, the return of Robert Downey Jr. to the MCU as Doctor Doom. According to Variety, several inside sources have confirmed that Joe and Anthony Russo will earn the incredible sum of 80 million dollars for directing both Avengers films. As for Downey, he will earn “significantly more” for taking on the role of the evil Victor Von Doom.
While the Russo brothers’ deal does not include compensation on the back-end, it does contain performance escalators that kick in at the $750 million and $1 billion thresholds, so they will get the biggest payout of their careers. According to The Insider, Downey will earn $50 million per filmwith box office bonuses that could double the figure when all is said and done.
Production and details of Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars
The original report also reveals that the Iron Man star has secured several benefits, including a private jet, dedicated security and what is described as a “trailer camp.” Doom doesn’t come cheap.
Other interesting details include that both Avengers films will shift production from Atlanta to London, with cameras set to begin rolling in early Q2 2025. Doomsday and Secret Wars will also be produced by the Russos under their AGBO banner, a first for Marvel Studios.
The reason behind Downey’s return
As for what led to Downey’s return, a source reveals that the Russos were “the only ones he would work with.” An executive close to the films adds that this collaboration is “a perfect fit of timing and everyone is on the same page.”
Plot details for both films are being kept under wraps, though Downey has been welcomed back into the MCU as Victor Von Doom rather than a Tony Stark variant. However, there’s surely some multiversal madness at play here that explains why the actor is now playing a villain… unless the plan is for the actor to double duty as both Tony and Victor.
A long wait for fans
Avengers: Doomsday will be released in May 2026, followed by Avengers: Secret Wars in May 2027. These new installments promise to bring big changes and excitement to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with the potential to redefine the franchise once again.
The news of Robert Downey Jr.’s return has caused quite a stir among MCU fans. After his emotional farewell as Iron Man in Avengers: Endgame, his new role as Doctor Doom opens up endless narrative and emotional possibilities. Fans are eager to see how this new era of the MCU will play out and what surprises it will hold for them.
Expectations in the air
Furthermore, the fact that the Russo brothers, responsible for some of Marvel’s biggest hits, are at the helm of these new films further raises expectations. With their experience and ability to handle large casts and complex plots, there is no doubt that they will deliver two epic films that will leave a lasting mark on the Marvel universe.
The return of Robert Downey Jr. and the massive payday he and the Russos will receive underscores the magnitude and importance of the upcoming Avengers films. Fans can look forward to a new era of adventures and challenges that are sure to exceed all expectations.
