Following the announcement at San Diego Comic-Con that Robert Downey Jr. will return as the MCU’s Doctor Doom, it’s been revealed how much he and the Russo brothers will earn for Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars

Marvel Studios has changed their original plans to make Kang the Conqueror the big bad of the Multiverse saga, instead focusing on Doctor Doom in Avengers: Judgment Day (previously announced as Avengers: The Kang Dynasty in 2022) and Avengers: Secret Wars. The Russo brothers will direct both films, while Stephen McFeely, co-writer of Avengers: Endgame, has replaced Michael Waldron, writer of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, as the sole screenwriter.

Robert Downey Jr. Returns to the MCU as Doctor Doom

The biggest news to come out of Hall H was, without a doubt, the return of Robert Downey Jr. to the MCU. Doctor Doom. According to Variety, several inside sources have confirmed that Joe and Anthony Russo will earn a whopping $100 million 80 million dollars for directing both Avengers films. As for Downey, he’ll earn “a lot more” for playing the villainous Victor Von Doom.

While the Russo brothers’ deal doesn’t include back-end compensation, it does include performance enhancements ranging between $750 million and $1 billion, earning them the largest paydays of their careers. According to The Insider, Downey will win $50 million per filmwith box office bonuses that could actually double the figure.

Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars Production Details

The original report also reveals that the Iron Man star has secured numerous perks, including a private jet, dedicated security and what is described as an entire “trailer camp.” Fate is not cheap.

Other interesting details include that both Avengers films will move production from Atlanta to London, with filming set to begin 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 for Downey’s return

As for what led to Downey’s return, a source says the Russos were “the only ones he would work with.” An executive close to the films adds that the collaboration is “a perfect combination of timing and everyone being 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 variant of Tony Stark. However, there’s sure to be some multiversal craziness at play here that will explain why the actor is now playing a villain… unless the plan is for the actor to pull double duty as Tony and Victor.

Long wait for fans

Avengers: Judgment Day will premiere 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 phase of the MCU will unfold and what surprises it will bring.

Expectations in the air

Furthermore, the fact that these new films are being helmed by the Russo brothers, responsible for some of Marvel’s biggest hits, further increases the 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 an indelible mark on the Marvel Universe.

The return of Robert Downey Jr. and the huge payday he and the Russos will receive underscore the magnitude and importance of the upcoming Avengers films. Fans can expect a new era of adventures and challenges that are sure to exceed all expectations.