Following the revelation that Robert Downey Jr earned an estimated $50 million for Joss Whedon's The Avengers, Deadline reports that the rest of the ensemble cast are negotiating for similar deals.
'The Avengers' (2012)
Downey Jr's earnings were so high because his deal comprised both an upfront payment and a percentage of the film's box office profits, and he is not yet signed up for Whedon's sequel or any further Marvel films.
Cast members including Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Mark Ruffalo and Samuel L Jackson are also yet to officially sign on, while Chris Evans reportedly made a deal for The Avengers 2 at the same time as Captain America: The Winter Soldier.
Marvel has allegedly threatened to sue actors - for those who are still bound by contracts and options - or recast their roles.
In response, Downey Jr himself is reportedly getting involved in his fellow cast members' negotiations, putting pressure on Marvel to offer them better deals.
"He's the only guy with real power in this situation, and balls of steel, too," a source explained. "He's already sent a message that he's not going to work for a place where they treat his colleagues like s**t."
> Robert Downey Jr on 'Iron Man' return: 'I'm having a good time'
> 'The Avengers 2': Joss Whedon's sequel to film in the UK in early 2014
Watch Joss Whedon discussing The Avengers 2 with Digital Spy below:
