Marvel is pulling out all the stops to reclaim its former glory, offering substantial paychecks to Robert Downey Jr. and the Russo Brothers for the upcoming Avengers movies. According to Variety, Joe and Anthony Russo will co-produce the next two Avengers films with Marvel Studios under their AGBO Films banner, marking a rare co-production deal for Marvel.
The Russo Brothers will receive $80 million to direct “Avengers: Doomsday” and “Avengers: Secret Wars.” Their contract does not include back-end compensation but features performance escalators that activate at the $750 million and $1 billion revenue marks. The Russo Brothers’ previous Marvel directorial efforts, “Avengers: Infinity War” (2018) and “Avengers: Endgame” (2019), grossed a combined total of $4.85 billion.
Robert Downey Jr. is set to earn “significantly more” than the $80 million the Russo Brothers are receiving. He reportedly insisted on having the Russo Brothers direct the films as a condition for his involvement. Downey, who recently won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer,” will also enjoy perks like private jet travel, dedicated security, and an extensive trailer setup.
Downey is the highest-paid actor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, having earned between $500 million and $600 million for his portrayal of Iron Man in the Avengers series, three Iron Man movies, “Captain America: Civil War,” and appearances in “The Incredible Hulk” and “Spider-Man: Homecoming.” Despite his character’s death in “Avengers: Endgame,” Downey is set to return as the chief antagonist, Doctor Doom.
Pre-production for “Avengers: Doomsday” and “Avengers: Secret Wars” will begin early next year, with filming set to commence in London. “Doomsday” is slated for release on May 1, 2026, followed by “Secret Wars” on May 7, 2027.