Marvel is heading back to some of their most reliable names to reverse its fortunes – but it just might cost a fortune to do that.
Variety published a new report on Monday that purports to reveal how much directors Joe and Anthony Russo, better known as the Russo brothers, are being paid to helm the next two Avengers movies, while also shedding light some of the terms behind Robert Downey Jr.’s return to the MCU as Doctor Doom. According to the report, the Russos are being paid $80 million to direct Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars, an absolutely massive payday for a directing duo.
While their deal doesn’t include “backend compensation” – essentially, additional money based on the films’ box office success – it does have “performance escalators” that reportedly kick in when a movie hits the $750 million and $1 billion mark. The Russos are also producing through their AGBO banner.
As for Downey, while the report didn’t reveal specifically what he’s making for his return, it does say he’s making “significantly more” than the Russos. Massive compensation isn’t out of the norm for Downey, though – the Variety report notes that he’s made more than $500 million already for his work in the MCU thus far. According to a previous Forbes report, Downey made $75 million for Avengers: Endgame alone.
It’s a little difficult to put that “more than $80 million” number into context without more specifics, but that’s still quite the chunk of change, and more than even most A-listers are able to secure. Actors who approached that level include reportedly Tom Cruise for Top Gun: Maverick, who apparently made more than $100 million thanks to box office bonuses (although he was also an executive producer) and Harrison Ford with an apparent $65 million payday for Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. In short, Downey is in rare company.
There are a few other interesting tidbits from the Variety report as well, including that Downey would apparently only return to the MCU if the Russos directed. Downey’s deal also reportedly has “perks that include private jet travel, dedicated security and a whole ‘trailer encampment.’ “
Additionally, the report says Avengers: Doomsday will begin filming in London in the second quarter of 2025. It’s set to hit theaters in May 2026, while Secret Wars will follow a year later.
Alex Stedman is a Senior News Editor with IGN, overseeing entertainment reporting. When she's not writing or editing, you can find her reading fantasy novels or playing Dungeons & Dragons.
