LOS ANGELES: Hollywood star Robert Downey Jr’s return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, albeit as a villain, will cause huge losses to Marvel Studios.
Downey, who turned the MCU into a money-making behemoth by playing Iron Man, is returning to the franchise, Marvel chief Kevin Feige announced at the recent San Diego Comic-Con.
However, the actor, who wrapped up Iron Man’s story with a perfect ending in “Avengers: Endgame,” will not be reprising the character but will instead play the villain Victor Von Doom, or Doctor Doom, in two upcoming “Avengers” movies.
The upcoming films “Avengers: Doomsday” and “Avengers: Secret Wars” will be directed by Joe and Anthony Russo, who are returning to the franchise after “Avengers: Infinity War” and “Avengers: Endgame.”
Sources have told US news outlet Variety that Marvel is spending US$80 million or more Anthony and Joe Russo have been paid Rs 669 crore to direct two new films.
The studio will spend “significantly more” money on Downey to bring the villain Doctor Doom to life in two tentpoles.
According to the outlet, Russo’s deal does not include back-end compensation, but it does include performance escalators that apply between $750 million and $1 billion.
In a departure from earlier plans, the brothers will also produce both films through their AGBO banner. Marvel usually does not work with outside producers, preferring instead to keep the team in-house.
As for Downey Jr., whose star power has been boosted by his first Oscar trophy for “Oppenheimer,” the studio has agreed to a deal that includes perks like private jet travel, dedicated security and an entire “trailer camp.”
Both “Avengers” movies will begin shooting in London in the second quarter of 2025.
“Avengers: Doomsday” will be released worldwide in May 2026 as part of Phase 6 of the MCU, followed by “Avengers: Secret Wars” in May 2027.
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