Robert Downey Jr. is reportedly set to receive a massive $100 million payday for his upcoming return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) as Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars. This staggering amount has sparked considerable debate among Marvel fans, especially when compared to Angela Bassett’s alleged $350,000 earnings for her Oscar-nominated role in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Many fans took to social media to express their shock at the disparity, questioning why Downey Jr.’s pay is so much higher.
Some fans argue that Downey Jr. is worth the money due to his crucial role in launching the MCU with 2008’s Iron Man, which helped Marvel movies become box office hits. Others, however, feel that the pay gap between him and other actors, especially women and actors of color, highlights a significant issue within the industry regarding fair compensation. One user pointed out that while Downey Jr.’s performance is iconic, it might be time to allow new talent to take center stage.
The debate over the pay disparity also extends to discussions about screen time and impact, with some fans noting that Bassett, though on-screen for a shorter duration, made a significant impact with her performance. However, others defend Downey Jr.’s paycheck, arguing that his involvement in Marvel films guarantees massive global ticket sales, which directly influences his value to the franchise.
There is still some confusion about Bassett’s actual earnings, with various reports suggesting she could have made anywhere between $350,000 to $2 million. Regardless, even at the higher end of the spectrum, her pay would still be substantially less than Downey Jr.’s reported salary.
Marvel, Downey Jr., and Bassett’s representatives have not commented on these claims, leaving the fan community to continue speculating and debating online about the fairness of Hollywood salaries.
