Robert Downey Jr.’s Demand to Play Doctor Doom Wasn’t Money

Robert Downey Jr. made a request that was crucial for him to accept the role of Doctor Doom, and it had nothing to do with his salary.

The world of the Marvel Cinematic Universe was shaken up at the 2024 San Diego Comic-Con when it was revealed that Downey would reprise his role as the infamous Doctor Doom in the highly anticipated film, Avengers: Doomsday.

Considering the actor’s significant role in the MCU since its inception, it was to be expected that he would demand a hefty sum to don the metal mask once again.

Despite his salary being a non-issue, Downey’s main request was for the Russo brothers to direct the upcoming Marvel movies in which he was set to star.

Robert Downey Jr announcing he will play Doctor Doom — SDCC/Marvel

The Russo brothers’ involvement with Marvel Studios dates back to 2014, when they directed Captain America: The Winter Soldier. This film, which was the first superhero spy thriller in the MCU, marked the beginning of their intertwined relationship with the studio.

After that, the pair continued to helm three additional blockbuster Marvel films: Captain America: Civil War (2016), Avengers: Infinity War (2018), and Avengers: Endgame (2019).

Despite having achieved success with MCU movies, the studio had been considering other directors to lead Avengers 5 and future installments. However, Downey’s selection as the main antagonist of the films caused them to reconsider their decision.

According to a source familiar with the situation, as reported by Variety, Downey’s return to the MCU was contingent on the Russo brothers being involved, as he would only work with them.

Downey’s requirement as director is justified by the trio’s impressive success at the box office.

The total box office earnings for Civil War were $1.1 billion, while Infinity War grossed $2 billion and Endgame concluded its theatrical release with a total of $2.799 billion.

Given these figures, it’s no surprise that Downey would prefer to have the Russos at the helm once again to kick off his reign as the antagonist in the MCU.

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