Robert Downey Jr had strict deal to return to the MCU as massive pay package is revealed

Robert Downey Jr will return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in the upcoming Avengers movie, but on specific conditions.

Downey Jr was one of the longest-running stars of the MCU, beginning with his starring role in Iron Man in 2008.

Eleven years, six starring roles, and three cameos later and Downey Jr's arc as Tony Stark / Iron Man came to a close with the character's death in 2019's Avengers: Endgame.

Over the course of this arc in the MCU Downey Jr reportedly netted between $500 million and $600 million for his performances.

Now he is set to return to the MCU, but not in his old role of Tony Stark, despite the multiverse storyline leaving that possibility open.

Instead, Downey Jr was drafted in to play the part of the villainous Doctor Doom in upcoming titles in the MCU.

But it seems that securing Downey Jr's return came with some big caveats, and costs, for the star.

Downey Jr recently picked up an Oscar for his performance in Oppenheimer. (Gareth Cattermole/BAFTA/Getty Images for BAFTA)

Among them is that Downey Jr is reportedly asking that the upcoming projects be directed by Antony and Joe Russo.

The Russo Brothers have previously directed four films in the MCU - Captain America: The Winter Soldier in 2014, Captain America: Civil War in 2016, Avengers: Infinity War in 2018, and Avengers: Endgame in 2019.

Downey Jr reportedly stipulated that he would want an upcoming film to be directed by the Russo Brothers in order for him to return to the MCU.

And working with the Russo Brothers isn't the only thing that's coaxed Downey Jr back into the Marvel fold.

Downey Jr will return to the MCU as Doctor Doom. (Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney)

Sources have said that the Russo Brothers are being paid some $80 million for their services in directing two upcoming Avengers movies.

As for Downey Jr, his contract is reported to be 'significantly more' for his performance as Doctor Doom.

And a salary is not the only thing which Marvel has reportedly put on the table for Downey Jr.

Other perks for the actor reportedly include private jet travel, a dedicated security team, and an entire 'trailer encampment' for him.

Despite being one of the most well-known franchises in the world, the MCU has struggled since 2019's Avengers: Endgame, which brought the long-running infinity stones plot line to a close.

But despite some lukewarm box office takings on recent movies, at least by Marvel standards, there are still new projects in the works.

Among these are the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, and Avengers: Secret Wars.