A Hollywood star getting a million-dollar paycheck is not an uncommon thing, and one of them also includes the Iron Man actor Robert Downey Jr. The Marvel star has made millions portraying the role of the superhero in the MCU. The actor has secured a notable financial arrangement with the studio, which has resulted in a massive payday for him.
Ahead of his final outing in the MCU, Downey Jr. reportedly made $75 million for Avengers: Infinity War. However, there are other movie stars who have earned more money than The Avengers star did in his 2018 film under his backend deal with the studio.
Hollywood Stars Who Outrun Robert Downey Jr.’s Infinity War Income
Being one of the most popular superheroes starring in the MCU, Robert Downey Jr. has not only become one of the highest-paid actors in the franchise but also in Hollywood. He has made millions due to his deal with the studio, under which he receives backend from the Avengers movies.
As per The Hollywood Reporter, he made a whopping $75 million with his second last film in the franchise, Avengers: Infinity War. The following exploration focuses on actors who made more than the Marvel star earned in his 2018 film, with a single movie.
Tom Cruise
Known for starring in the action franchise Mission Impossible, Tom Cruise is among some of the most celebrated actors in the industry. He has starred in several blockbusters, including the 2022 film Top Gun: Maverick. Reprising the role of Captain Pete Mitchell from the 1986 film, Cruise reportedly earned an additional salary of $100 million for his role as the flight instructor in 2022, along with his base salary of $13 million. The movie grossed over $1.49 billion at the box office, also making it the highest-grossing film of his career.
Sam Worthington
James Cameron’s 2009 film Avatar was a turning point for the Australian actor Sam Worthington’s Hollywood career. Taking on the role, which was initially offered to Matt Damon with a 10% backend, Worthington also made a fortune playing the role of Jake Sully.
He received a base pay of $10 million, along with a 5% profit from the film’s box office success. Avatar is the highest-grossing film and has grossed $2.7 billion worldwide. Considering the actor was offered 5% of the movie’s profits, he has reportedly received $100 million for the movie, making him one of the highest-paid actors in the industry.
Read More: The Hidden Lifestyle of Keanu Reeves: How He Spends His Movie Millions
Will Smith
While Will Smith may have seen his reputation in Hollywood take a hit following the 2022 Oscars incidents, the actor has had a wonderful career and has led several blockbusters. One of his most popular performances also includes the role of Agent J in the Men in Black film series.
And the actor reportedly made $100 million from his last film in the series, Men in Black 3. The 2012 movie grossed $654 million at the box office. Although the film series continued with a stand-along sequel starring Chris Hemsworth and Tess Thompson, neither Smith nor his Men in Black co-star Tommy Lee Jones reprised their roles.
While several actors may have outrun the Marvel star Robert Downey Jr. when it comes to his salary for Avengers: Infinity War, he has seen a fascinating rise in his paycheck. The Iron Man actor was paid $75 million for his last film in the MCU, Avengers: Endgame, along with 8% of the box office gross. He reportedly earned $130 million for the 2019 film.
