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Robert Downey Jr. Doctor Doom deal and Avengers plans

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2026-09-09 23:11 UTC → 2026-09-11 16:56 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Robert Downey Jr. is confirmed to return to the MCU as Doctor Doom in the upcoming Avengers duology, Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars. Reports indicate his contract is worth approximately $100 million for the two films, making him the highest-paid actor in the current MCU phase. This deal includes extensive perks such as private-jet travel, personal security, and a dedicated dressing-room complex. Co-stars Chris Evans and Chris Hemsworth are each slated to earn around $40 million. During interviews at D23 and on ‘Good Morning America’, Downey Jr. expressed a preference for the role of Victor von Doom over his former character, Tony Stark, noting that playing a villain allows him to experience a perspective he had previously missed. He described the character dynamics in ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ as “unexpected, surprising, and beautiful.” Directed by the Russo Brothers, Avengers: Doomsday is scheduled for release on December 18, 2026. The film is generating unprecedented commercial momentum; Disney CFO Hugh Johnston announced at the Goldman Sachs Communacopia + Technology Conference that domestic presales have surpassed $50 million, more than 100 days before its release. This marks a historical milestone for advance ticket sales. Approximately 70 percent of these sales are for the new ‘Infinity Vision’ premium format, a branding initiative designed to compete with IMAX. The film is expected to bring together various MCU factions, including the Avengers, Fantastic Four, and X-Men, though it faces potential competition for IMAX screens from the simultaneous release of ‘Dune: Part Three’. While principal photography and reshoots have concluded, reports suggest the final cut will have a runtime of approximately 165 minutes. To bridge the narrative gap, Marvel will re-release ‘Avengers: Endgame’ as ‘Avengers: Endgame Encore’ on September 25, 2026, featuring new footage and a post-credits scene.

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