Robert Downey Jr. Is Reportedly Willing to Return to the MCU, If Marvel Can Afford Him
Iron Man’s (Robert Downey Jr.) journey came to a fitting conclusion in Avengers: Endgame, but that might not be the last time Tony Stark graces the Marvel Cinematic Universe. As fans already witnessed in Spider-Man: Far From Home, Tony’s legacy will continue to impact the MCU moving forward. There has been a lot of talk about Downey reprising his role as Iron Man, but inside sources claim that the actor’s asking price is too steep for Marvel.
Robert Downey Jr. earns millions for playing Iron Man
Downey only made around $500,000 for playing Tony Stark in 2008’s Iron Man. That may seem like a hefty sum, but the actor went on to make hundreds of millions in the MCU.
Marvel has not revealed official figures, but the studio reportedly paid Downey around $150 million for his appearance in Avengers: Infinity and Endgame. He also pulled down $15 million for his brief cameo in Spider-Man: Homecoming, despite only spending three days filming scenes.
We have no idea how much Robert Downey Jr. is asking for to return to the MCU, but it’s probably higher than anything he has been paid so far.
Iron Man, of course, is easily one of the most popular superheroes in Marvel’s lineup, and if Downey does want to return, the studio will likely give him whatever he wants.
There has also been a lot of talk about Downey appearing in Scarlett Johansson’s upcoming film, Black Widow, though nothing official has been confirmed on that front.
Will Marvel fit the bill?
The big question, of course, is whether or not Marvel can afford to pay Downey. There is little doubt that fans would love to see him reprise his role as Iron Man, but justifying that kind of salary is difficult.
According to We Got This Covered, an inside source claims that Marvel is not interested in paying Downey a massive salary. If the source is to be believed, then the actor’s time in the MCU is most likely at an end.
That said, it is possible that the rumors about Robert Downey Jr.’s salary demands are untrue. If that is the case, the door is always open for the studio to bring back Downey in a future project.
Tony sacrificed himself in Avengers: Endgame to defeat Thanos (Josh Brolin). The character was given a funeral and a fond farewell, though the introduction of the multiverse would certainly be a way to bring Iron Man back into the fold.
Downey Jr. shares rare footage
While we wait to hear more, Downey has been very nostalgic on social media in recent weeks. The actor, for instance, recently shared a clip of the Avengers singing Happy Birthday to Brolin on the set of Endgame.
Robert Downey Jr.’s assistant, Jimmy Rich, also shared a clip of the actor practicing one of Tony’s most iconic lines from the Infinity Saga.
“Whatever it takes. No fears, no regrets … part of the journey is the end,” Downey recites.
The clip features Downey practicing the lines while sitting in a director’s chair. A large green-screen can be seen in the background, while Downey is also rocking a sweet set of reading glasses.
The scene was featured in Endgame, though it is unclear why Rich decided to share it now. Perhaps Downey really is thinking about reprising his role at some point in the MCU.
Robert Downey Jr. and Tom Holland still keep in touch
Whatever happens, it is clear that Downey’s future in the MCU remains up in the air. But just because the actor is no longer an active part of the Marvel universe does not mean he has lost contact with his former co-stars.
In a recent interview, Robert Downey Jr. revealed that he still chats with Tom Holland on the regular. Holland has also verified his friendship with Downey, and it sounds like their relationship is very similar to what Peter Parker had with Tony.
“And that dynamic of Peter wanting a mentor is a big part of this movie. Yeah, it’s lovely. It’s a lovely dynamic and the dynamic [with Robert Downey Jr.] is also the same off-screen,” Holland shared. “I mean, we’ve become really close. We’ve become great friends and I ask him for advice and vice versa sometimes.”
Holland added that it has been very nice to have someone like Downey offering him career advice, especially as a young actor in Hollywood. Outside of the MCU, Tom Holland and Robert Downey Jr. teamed up for the office flop, Dolittle, so we’re sure this isn’t the last we’ve seen of them on the big screens.
