4 Times Robert Downey Jr. Was Paid An Insane Amount of Money
Robert Downey Jr. is one of Hollywood's highest-paid actors, having spent the last decade starring in Marvel's blockbuster superhero films.
He went from getting paid $500,000 in the first "Iron Man" to way crazier amounts, we're talking millions! Crazier still, Robert Downey Jr. almost did not get the role of Iron Man because of his past with drug abuse. Thankfully, he's turned his life into a goldmine.
Here we'll go over that insane cash flow and the details behind it.
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The Avengers
"The Avengers" was a worldwide hit, fans eager to watch a collaboration of superheroes like this for the first time on the big screen. At this point, the "Iron Man" franchise had established the fundamental aspects of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Without Robert Downey Jr., there is no Iron Man, and without Iron Man there is no Avengers.
That said, Downey was paid a staggering $50 million for Avengers. As the leader of that team, both on-screen and off-screen, it seems he got what he deserved.
Avengers: Age of Ultron
Another worldwide hit, another box office smashed, as the world watched another great Marvel film. Although reviews for "Avengers: Age of Ultron" were middling, some audiences confused by the many plotlines and characters, Robert Downey Jr.'s paycheck was not affected.
Downey got a pay bump of $80 million, at this point knowing he's too important a member of Marvel to not be paid handsomely. If he quit, fans would riot and campaign to have him back. No one could replace Downey.
Avengers: Endgame
In Robert Downey Jr.'s last Marvel film, he took a slight pay cut to $75 million. Not that there is much of a difference to him, but lots of people would love an extra 5 million dollars. Contrary to that, Downey cut himself off by allowing Iron Man to die in his final film.
It's hard to say no to money, so Marvel must be thankful they no longer have to write that many zeros on a check for Downey.
Dolittle
More recently, Robert Downey Jr. took a significant pay cut of $20 million to star in Dolittle, another blockbuster film aiming to become a franchise.
The film cost $175 million to make. To be pushed into franchise territory it has to make approximately $400 million worldwide. Hence their investment in Downey.
Of course, if the film is a hit, then Downey's paycheck will most likely increase again, keeping him on his Hollywood throne. The world loves to watch him, and he'll keep getting paid the big bucks.
