Robert Downey Jr. rose to global fame playing Iron Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, a now-iconic role he began playing in 2008’s Iron Man before ending his role as Tony Stark in the MCU with his ninth film, Avengers: Endgame. 2019 year.
But did you know he was also a real-life superhero to his co-stars Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson and more? From his third Marvel film, The Avengers (2012), Robert Downey Jr. Already a true superstar unlike some of the franchise’s newcomers.
According to a 2013 report by Deadline, Robert Downey Jr. He got 50 million dollars to play The Avengersand his partners Scarlett Johansson, Chris Hemsworth And Chris Evans also got only $200,000. Downey Jr.’s salary was then 250 times higher than his colleagues in the same project.
A similar situation also occurred two years earlier during the negotiations for Iron Man 2: Don Cheadle took over Terrence Howard’s role as War Machine after the latter demanded too much money.
As the filming of Avengers: Age of Ultron approaches, the controversy has begun, a particularly heated situation that could be seen. Chris Hemsworth and Scarlett Johansson dismissal, if Iron Man himself had not intervened. Indeed, fiercely loyal to his partners, he threatened to quit the MCU if his paychecks were dropped Chris Hemsworth and Scarlett Johansson was not raised.
Robert to the rescue
At that very moment Robert Downey Jr. entered the scene and fought for partners in conflict with Marvel, who tried to protect their rights as much as possible. Thus, the team Chris Hemsworth claimed that the actor had already been paid $5 million for Snow White and the Huntsman (2012) and that he would have no problem continuing with Universal if Marvel refused to change its mind. As for Scarlett JohanssonHe also clarified that he will not return to the MCU for that much money.
A source close to the production revealed: “He is the only one with real power in this situation. He’s also got steel…he’s already sent a message saying he’s not going to work for a company that treats its employees like crap.“
This gesture also made me think Robert Downey Jr. as their “leader” to his partners. Marvel Studios had no choice and therefore had to listen to its star superhero and offer significant payoffs to the deserving actors who have largely proven themselves to be essential to the franchise.
Scarlett Johansson He didn’t hesitate to later strongly sue the studio for breach of contract during the release of Black Widow (2021). It all ended in an amicable settlement, but the actress said it’s important that she avoids this type of abuse – as Robert Downey Jr. He did it for her, in front of her.
Robert Downey Jr. A final farewell to the character of Iron Man Avengers: EndgameBut he’s not done with Marvel, as he’ll return to the MCU as the villain Dr. Victor Von Doom in Avengers: Judgment Day, which is due out in May 2026, with the second installment titled Secret Wars a year later.
Meanwhile, his iconic performance as Iron Man can still be seen in the Marvel movies available on Disney+.
Source: Allocine
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
