It was recently reported that Robert Downey Jr. could earn more than $100 million starring as Doctor Doom in the next two Avengers films.

The announcement of Robert Downey Jr.’s return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe has been bittersweet for fans. While many could not be happier about his comeback, they cannot help but pay extra attention to the circumstances and nature of his return. Some cannot help but focus on how the franchise immediately ran back to him when it started to fail.

Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark in Avengers: Endgame | Credits: Marvel Studios

At the same time, many fans cannot help but wonder if he was the best choice for the role of Doctor Doom. It is safe to say that the conversation and the suddenness of the casting have caused many to wonder what ulterior motives were present in the minds of all those who were involved.

Recently, there has been a report of how much Downey Jr. will be earning for his role, and to say that the figure is surprising would be an understatement.

Robert Downey Jr.—Genius, Millionaire, Actor, Philanthropist

When Robert Downey Jr. was making his exit from the MCU, simultaneously ending Thanos, his army, and the mental stability of the fans, he was paid $75 million, according to CBR. Considering how this was more than five years ago, and the actor has only grown in recognition and respect after starring in Oppenheimer, it is expected that the figure will drastically increase for his comeback.

Robert Downey Jr.’s Dr. Doom casting announcement sent shockwaves among fans | Credits: Instagram- @marvelstudios

However, no one would truly expect just how much he will be getting paid for starring as Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday, and Avengers: Secret Wars. It was reported by Culture Crave that the actor would be getting paid an impressive, $100 million for the films. Additionally, they reported that after box office incentives, he could end up making double his initial salary, potentially leaving the MCU with $200 million in his pocket.

Not only would this be one of the highest salaries in the industry, but the number is also close to another Marvel feat. At the worldwide box office, Brie Larson’s The Marvels ended up making $206 million, according to Box Office Mojo.

Mark Ruffalo and Robert Downey Jr. in The Avengers I Credit: Marvel Studios

Considering the fact that Downey could be earning the entire gross of a Marvel film’s lifetime earnings on his own is quite surprising on many different levels.

Fans Marvel At The Expenditure

It is safe to say that upon hearing the potential figure of Robert Downey Jr.’s salary for Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars, fans are extremely surprised at the lengths the franchise is willing to go to.

Robert Downey Jr. in Iron Man I Credit: Marvel Studios

Recently, the actor gave an interview with The Hollywood Reporter’s “Awards Chatter” podcast, where he talked about the casting and what made him want to play the character. Downey mentioned that he was approached by Kevin Feige about the role and what could potentially happen if he came back.

I looked up this character, and I was like ‘Wow,’ and later on he goes, ‘Let’s get Victor Von Doom right, let’s get that right.

Upon doing further research into Doctor Doom, he mentioned that he was extremely impressed and wanted to play the character. While the story behind his comeback is certainly quite interesting, fans cannot help but wonder about the actor’s real motivations.

Many pointed out that, although, Downey must have loved the character of Doom, learning about how much money he could earn from the role could have certainly added to his decision. It is safe to say that until fans see him in character, they are going to be very skeptical about his intentions behind coming back into the franchise.

Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars are expected to hit theaters on May 1, 2026 and May 7, 2027 respectively.