There is A LOT of movement in the Marvel Cinematic
Universe as of late, and today alone has provided us with
some huge developments involving the still-under-wraps
Captain America 3 . Not only did we find out that the Civil
War storyline is going to start up with the third (and final?)
Captain America film, but also that Spider-Man might be
involved in the future. Of course, this was all trumped by
the announcement that Robert Downey Jr. will be on hand
as Tony Stark in the next Steve Rogers adventure, which
not only signals big happenings but also a big pay day.
The reported figure is $40 million-plus.
Thanks to Variety , we now have an idea of just how big of
a pay day he'll be raking in after his recent negotiations.
So how much does it take to hire Robert Downey Jr. for an
appearance in a Marvel movie? Well, if the past is any
indication, $50 million would be the number to beat. That
was the figure Marvel Studios signed over for Downey
Jr.'s participation in The Avengers .
Of course, that's not how much Robert Downey Jr. will be
banking for Captain America 3 , as Variety's sources say
he's signed on for a $40 million pay day up front, in
exchange for an expansion of his role in the film.
Originally, Tony Stark was going to be a bit player in the
next Chris Evans led film, but Downey Jr. expressed that
he wanted a meatier part in what promises to set Marvel
Studios up for the next couple of phases. However there is
a way that Iron Man could be bringing home something
extra when this is all done and over, as he's reportedly
negotiated a portion of the film's backend profits.
In addition to receiving a cut of Captain America 3's
profits, there's a clause set in Robert Downey Jr.'s contract
that will put him in line for another pay out if the film
breaks the franchise's record. So if Captain America 3
exceeds the $714 million total gross that Captain America:
The Winter Soldier brought in, Downey Jr. will receive an
extra pay out, presumably for making that happen. It's not
a bad assumption, as Iron Man is still the highest grossing
stand-alone hero in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and
the Marvel/Robert Downey Jr. brand is at peak output as
we speak.
As far as what Robert Downey Jr. has brought to the table
for Marvel Studios, the agreement to pay him in such a
manner is well deserved. If his role in Captain America 3
was maintained at the previous level of involvement that
was denoted, it could be seen as a bit exorbitant, but
seeing as he's now playing an official lead role, he'll be
earning every penny. No matter the scenario, Downey Jr.
looks like he'll retire/scale back his involvement in the
Marvel Cinematic Universe within the next couple of years.
If he wants to go out with a bang, and get paid in the
process, he's well earned that right by consistently
delivering for Marvel Studios.
No matter how you slice it, Captain America 3 is going to
change everything, and if the rumors are true and the stars
and stripes align, Joe and Anthony Russo will become the
next masters of the Marvel Cinematic Universe with The
Avengers 3 and 4 in their care. Captain America 3 breaks
the mold on May 6, 2016. Your move, Batman v.
Superman: Dawn Of Justice .