Robert Downey Jr is set to make a comeback to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in the forthcoming Avengers film, but under specific conditions.
Downey Jr was a prominent figure in the MCU, starting with his lead role in Iron Man back in 2008.
After spending eleven years, taking six leading roles, and making three cameo appearances, Downey Jr concluded his journey as Tony Stark / Iron Man with the character’s death in the 2019 blockbuster Avengers: Endgame.
Throughout his tenure in the MCU, Downey Jr reportedly earned between $500 million and $600 million for his roles.
Now, he is poised for a return to the MCU, but he won’t be reprising his role as Tony Stark, even though the multiverse storyline could allow for that possibility.
Instead, Downey Jr has been cast to play the villainous Doctor Doom in upcoming MCU projects.
However, it appears that bringing Downey Jr back came with some significant caveats and costs.
One of the conditions is that Downey Jr has reportedly requested that the upcoming projects be directed by Antony and Joe Russo.
The Russo Brothers have previously directed four MCU films: Captain America: The Winter Soldier in 2014, Captain America: Civil War in 2016, Avengers: Infinity War in 2018, and Avengers: Endgame in 2019.
Downey Jr has allegedly insisted on having the Russo Brothers direct a future film as a prerequisite for his return to the MCU.
And collaborating with the Russo Brothers is not the only factor that has enticed Downey Jr back into the Marvel universe.
Sources indicate that the Russo Brothers are being compensated around $80 million for directing two upcoming Avengers films.
As for Downey Jr, his contract is reportedly ‘significantly more’ for his role as Doctor Doom.
In addition to his salary, Marvel is said to have offered other perks to Downey Jr.
The actor is rumored to receive benefits such as private jet travel, a dedicated security team, and an entire ‘trailer encampment’ for his use.
Despite being one of the most renowned franchises globally, the MCU has faced challenges since the conclusion of the infinity stones storyline in 2019’s Avengers: Endgame.
However, even with some recent films not performing as well at the box office by Marvel standards, there are still new projects in development.
Among these are the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, and Avengers: Secret Wars.