In addition to producing some of the biggest films in recent memory, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has amassed its own star-studded cast. Celebrities like Chris Pratt and Tom Holland have become big stars thanks to the marvel movies, and other actors have become iconic figures on par with the fictional heroes they portray.
It is not surprising that the performers of the MCU earn some of the highest salaries in Hollywood given the phenomenal success these films have enjoyed. Of course, some of these names are more well-known and have been there for a longer period of time, which has led to some pretty incredible wages that demonstrate how huge the MCU has become.
10. Chris Pratt – $5 Million
Chris Pratt was best known for playing the endearing idiot Andy Dwyer in Parks and Recreation, but his role as Star-Lord in Guardians of the Galaxy elevated him to the position of box office king.
Given that Pratt has other notable films, such as the Jurassic World films, $5 million may seem like a bargain for the actor. But according to Business Insider, he received this payment for his supporting part in Avengers: Infinity War.
09. Brie Larson – $5 Million
According to rumors, Marvel signs its actors at relatively low rates for their first appearance in a big blockbuster. That salary then increases to higher levels with more sequels and appearances. But because Brie Larson had already won an Oscar when she was chosen for Captain Marvel, she was paid well from the start.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Larson made a respectable $5 million from her role as Carol Danvers in her debut solo film. The longer she remains in the MCU, the higher that sum undoubtedly becomes.
08. Benedict Cumberbatch – $6.4 Million
Another actor who gained a lot of recognition before appearing in the MCU is Benedict Cumberbatch. Cumberbatch’s upcoming salary, however, reflects the fact that Doctor Strange appears to be developing into one of the universe’s major heroes.
With a pay raise of over $6 million, Cumberbatch has reprised his role as Doctor Strange in his second solo film, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, after making appearances in the Avengers films and Spider-Man: No Way Home.
07. Paul Rudd – $8 Million
Few people imagined Paul Rudd in a superhero role given his history of playing comedic characters in films like Anchorman. That is a big part of what makes him so endearing in these movies as Scott Lang, aka Ant-Man.
It was especially entertaining to watch him antagonize some of the more powerful Marvel heroes during the team-up adventures. After having a minor part in Captain America: Civil War, Ant-Man joined the rest of the Avengers. Scott and Rudd benefited from the promotion, as he made $8 million for Avengers: Endgame, per Forbes.
06. Jeremy Renner – $15 Million
Hawkeye was always one of the Avengers who seemed to get overlooked because all he brought to the team was a bow and arrow. He was the only one of the original six heroes who did not get a solo film, though he eventually got a Disney+ series.
Although he may not have been as well-known as some of the other heroes, he nevertheless ended up making similarly sizable salaries. According to Forbes, Jeremy Renner earned an impressive $15 million for his cameo as Hawkeye in Avengers: Endgame.
05. Mark Ruffalo – $15 Million
Mark Ruffalo took over the role of Bruce Banner aka Hulk in The Avengers, in one of the most prominent examples of recasting in the MCU. Despite the abrupt change in actors, Ruffalo became yet another beloved member of the universe.
Despite missing out on Hulk’s only solo film to date, he has been an integral part of the Avengers adventures and received the same $15 million pay for Avengers: Endgame as his colleagues, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
04. Chris Evans – $15 Million
In many ways, Chris Evans’ endearing portrayal of Captain America as the title character makes him the MCU’s heart. A character who could have been comical was transformed into one of the iconic movie heroes of the twenty-first century.
It stands to reason that Evans earns one of the highest salaries given his significant role in the larger cinematic universe. Despite the fact that Avengers: Endgame appears to mark the end of Evans’ tenure as Captain America, Forbes estimates that the farewell brought in $15 million.
03. Chris Hemsworth – $20 Million
Another actor who wasn’t well known prior to appearing in the MCU was Chris Hemsworth. He not only became known as Thor, but he also contributed to the character’s evolution over time, making the God of Thunder one of the funniest and most adored characters in the MCU.
Hemsworth also accomplishes a significant feat in the MCU by becoming the first actor to star in four separate movies. Hemsworth has reportedly received $20 million for his role in Thor: Love and Thunder, making it a valuable return.
02. Scarlet Johansson – $20 Million
With her role as Natasha Romanoff dating all the way back to Iron Man 2, Scarlet Johansson has been a part of the MCU for the longest. Amazingly, it took ten years before Johansson and her character received a standalone film.
Black Widow’s release on Disney+ rather than in theaters, however, sparked a debate over the pay for MCU actors after Johansson alleged that it violated her contract. Disney publicly stated that Johansson received $20 million for the role of Black Widow in response to her allegations.
01. Robert Downey Jr. – $75 Million
Robert Downey Jr. was not only the actor who helped launch the MCU with Iron Man, but the MCU would most likely not exist in its current form without his award-winning performance. Given all of this, it is not surprising that he earns the highest salary.
Though he was initially regarded as a risky casting choice, Downey Jr. eventually became the face of the cinematic universe. When it came time for him to leave his role in Avengers: Endgame, Downey Jr. was paid $20 million up front as well as a percentage of the box office, which Forbes estimates totaled $75 million.