Robert Downey Jr. is set to receive $100 million for his role in the upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) films directed by the Russo brothers. The two new installments, beginning with "Avengers: Doomsday," scheduled for release on December 18, 2026, will feature Downey as Doctor Doom, a departure from his earlier portrayal of Tony Stark. He will also appear in the subsequent film, "Avengers: Secret Wars," slated for release in 2027.

According to sources familiar with the arrangements, Downey’s compensation may encompass additional appearances beyond the two main films, potentially including cameos in other Marvel projects, such as the recently announced "Ghost Rider" starring Ryan Gosling.

Following Downey, Chris Hemsworth and Chris Evans are reportedly the next highest earners among the Avengers cast, each negotiating contracts worth approximately $40 million for the two films combined. The overall budget for "Doomsday" and "Secret Wars" is estimated to be around $600 million, which, while substantial, is still below the combined production costs of the previous Avengers films "Infinity War" and "Endgame."

Past MCU projects featured significant salaries for other main cast members, including Scarlett Johansson and the late Chadwick Boseman, who earned amounts second only to Downey’s. Over the course of multiple films—including four Avengers movies, three Iron Man films, and various supporting roles in other Marvel entries—Downey has accumulated earnings exceeding $500 million, making him the highest-paid actor in the franchise by a notable margin.

Other cast members involved in the new films, such as Pedro Pascal, Paul Rudd, and Simu Liu, are also compensated well, though their salaries reportedly fall significantly below those of Hemsworth, Evans, and especially Downey. As the MCU continues to expand, the compensation structure reflects the enduring prominence of its earliest and most established stars.