The MCU owes Robert Downey Jr a massive part of the popularity that it has gained over the years. The actor not only made the role of Iron Man his own but also became the face of the studio. But surprisingly, Marvel could have lost its biggest asset long back over an issue of pay disparity. Reportedly, this issue could have completely changed the MCU as many actors were more than ready to leave the bandwagon if Robert Downey Jr didn’t stand up for them.
It is not unknown to anybody following the MCU that the Sherlock Holmes star got a significantly higher paycheck than the other fellow cast members. This was deemed unfair even by the star himself who stood up for his colleagues against the studio.
Unfair treatment of its actors by Marvel
The Tropic Thunder actor has always been looked up to as a “big brother” and a “leader” by his fellow cast members. This encouraged Robert Downey Jr to even consider quitting the studio in case they failed to meet the demand of his castmates.
The whole incident surfaced back in 2013. Deadline reported that while Robert Downey Jr received a colossal figure of $50 million, some of the other fellow Avengers members couldn’t make it more than $200,000.
“Some received only $200,000 for Avengers and Downey got paid $50M. On what planet is that OK?”- An insider told to Deadline
Some other serious allegations came on the studio. Various reports claimed that the bosses of the MCU threatened the actors that they could be sued or replaced if they don’t abide by their rules. Here various of them even replied with “Go Ahead” showing their absolute disgust toward the studio. Some of the actors who were having a hard time were Chris Hemsworth, Chris Evans, and even Scarlett Johansson.
Also Read: Robert Downey Jr Will Return to MCU as Ironman Under One Condition
Robert Downey Jr saved The Marvel Cinematic Universe
It must be acknowledged that if Robert Downey Jr didn’t intervene, then Marvel Studios could have been caught amidst a big controversy. The DoLittle actor stood up in such a way that the studio was bound to raise the paychecks of the cast members. According to reps, it was reported that Downey Jr was more than willing to retire from his role as Tony Stark at that point:
“He’s the only guy with real power in this situation. and b*lls of steel, too. He’s already sent a message that he’s not going to work for a place where they treat his colleagues like sh*t.”
Another reporter said:
“I have four words for Marvel – ‘F–k you, call Robert.'”
This justifies why the actor is still one of the most missed characters in the Universe of Marvel. Although being a risky casting in the first place due to his troubled past, the actor went on to become a legend in the world of pop culture. The actors even received huge paychecks during their latest projects, while Robert Downey Jr ended his MCU reign by getting a giant $75 million from his last Avengers: Endgame.
Source: Deadline
