Behind Robert Downey Jr. and the Russo Brothers’ Mega ‘Avengers’ Paydays

As a film enthusiast with a decade-long passion for Marvel films, I can confidently say that the return of Robert Downey Jr. and the Russo brothers to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is an exciting development for fans like myself. The duo’s previous collaborations on “Avengers: Infinity War” and “Endgame” were undeniably some of the studio’s most successful projects, so their reunion feels like a much-needed homecoming after a challenging year for Marvel.


Following a challenging twelve months, Marvel is going back to what brought them success in the past. This involves teaming up once again with franchise veteran Robert Downey Jr., as well as the Russo brothers who directed two of Marvel’s biggest hits – “Avengers: Infinity War” and “Avengers: Endgame.”

1. Hiring back important personnel from the past won’t be an inexpensive move for Marvel. Reports indicate that Marvel is spending $80 million on the Russo Brothers to direct “Avengers: Doomsday” and “Avengers: Secret Wars,” with Downey receiving even more for his role as Doctor Doom in these blockbusters. The agreement with the Russos doesn’t include profits, but it does have performance bonuses that activate at $750 million and $1 billion milestones. The Russo Brothers will also produce these films under their own AGBO label, which is somewhat unusual for Marvel as they usually prefer to handle production in-house.

Downey, who played a crucial role in transforming Marvel into a profitable brand through his portrayal of Tony Stark in the initial “Iron Man” release in 2008, has an advantageous contract boasting additional benefits such as private jet privileges, personal security detail, and a whole trailer complex for the recent Oscar laureate. (Downey was awarded best supporting actor this year for his performance in “Oppenheimer.”)

Reportedly, Downey Jr. is the most financially rewarded actor within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Over four ‘Avengers’ films, three ‘Iron Man’ releases, and appearances in ‘The Incredible Hulk’, ‘Captain America: Civil War’, and ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’, he earned between half a billion to six hundred million dollars.

As a longtime fan of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, I’m thrilled to share my perspective on this latest development in the filming locations for the upcoming Avengers movies. Having attended several premieres and comic-con events over the years, I’ve grown accustomed to the hype surrounding each new release.

Despite Marvel’s unrivaled success in cinema through its initial 30 movies, signs of strain emerged in 2023. The underwhelming “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” earned only $476 million worldwide, while “The Marvels” flopped with a global box office take of barely over $200 million. To add to the distress at Burbank, plans for the entire “Avengers” storyline featuring villain Kang had to be abandoned due to legal issues involving actor Jonathan Majors. Following his conviction for assault and harassment against his girlfriend, Disney swiftly severed ties with him. In quick succession, Destin Daniel Cretton resigned as director of “Avengers: Kang Dynasty.”

Previously, EbMaster published a cover story detailing Marvel Studios’ potential shift from Kang to Doctor Doom due to Majors’ escalating issues. It was mentioned that Kevin Feige, the studio’s chief, is eager to bring back Robert Downey Jr., who will transition from his fall Broadway debut in Ayad Akhtar’s “mcneal” to preparing for “Avengers” production in the new year.

According to reports, Downey, represented by WME, has decided to rejoin the Marvel Cinematic Universe if the Russos, signed with CAA, are set to direct. A source close to the negotiations disclosed, “He will only collaborate with them.”

Indeed, it’s worth noting that the two films starring the brothers, known as “The Avengers,” garnered an impressive total of $4.851 billion. As Marvel strives to reestablish its position, a potential collaboration between Downey and the Russo brothers is seen as an optimal blend of timing and shared vision by an executive familiar with the project.

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2024-07-30 06:46