Marvel is making everyone money. Disney and Marvel Studios are rolling in cash following the success of films like Captain America: Civil War. With this much success, it should be no surprise that any of the stars of Marvel films are receiving significant paydays of their own. Sometimes, these paydays are only the latest in a long line of incredibly successful career decisions. In other instances, these paydays were career revitalizers or launchers-- ones that allowed stars to enter the spotlight in ways they hadn’t in a long time.
Marvel’s actors are among the most dominant names in Hollywood, and Marvel’s ability to acquire loyal and consistent talent is one of the hallmarks of its success as a brand. The announcement of Captain Marvel only furthers this idea, and it suggests a great deal of promise for the future of Marvel after its current group of stars dissipates. Marvel’s actors are often required to go to extraordinary lengths to inhabit their roles, whether that means some sort of crazy make-up or an intense workout routine. As difficult as these efforts may be, they’re ultimately worth it for everyone involved, especially the actors.
Here are The 15 Richest Actors In The Marvel Cinematic Universe.
15. Don Cheadle - $35 million
Cheadle was one of the few actors who ed the Marvel ensemble because of recasting. War Machine was supposed to be Terrence Howard’s part, but when he asked for too big a raise on Iron Man 2, he was replaced by Cheadle. The irony, of course, is that Cheadle’s checks from Marvel, although smaller than the ones Howard was requesting, were still large enough to land him a spot here. Cheadle’s had a prolific career outside of Marvel, of course, and has amassed a net worth of roughly $35 million.
Cheadle’s work as War Machine is only the latest entry in a long career that includes more critically beloved fair like Hotel Rwanda and even the controversial House of Lies. Still, it’s his role as Tony Stark’s ive friend that earns him the biggest paydays, and they’re ones that Terrence Howard may kill for today.
14. Josh Brolin - $35 million
Perhaps the only actor on this list who has yet to film the brunt of his scenes for Marvel, Brolin has nonetheless built a solid career for himself. His net worth is currently estimated at $35 million, tying him with Cheadle for a place on this list. Brolin’s worth is built on a steady career of roles in critical smashes like The Goonies, which Brolin starred in quite a while ago.
As Thanos, Brolin is promising to bring some extra servings of menace to his performance in the Marvel universe. Thanos is meant to be the ultimate enemy, and his existence has been teased ever since the first Avengers way back in 2012. Whether Brolin will live up to this idea remains to be seen, but if one thing is clear, it’s that his career and success thus far give audiences a reason to hope.
13. Jeremy Renner - $35 million
Renner has been everywhere in Hollywood over the last few years, so his inclusion on this list was a sure thing. Although not every project he takes on is a success, whenever Renner has a bow and arrow on his back, the films he’s in seem to do fairly well. Renner’s work as Hawkeye has done its fair share in earning the actor a spot on this list, with a reported net worth of $35 million, but he’s also worked outside the Marvel universe in fairly successful films like Hurt Locker.
Hawkeye may be one of the more undervalued of the Avengers team, but his existence has at least done the actor portraying him some good. While the character briefly appeared to be in retirement, he was quickly pulled out by Captain America for that wonderful airport battle in Civil War. Even so, the character’s future is an uncertain one, so we should treasure every arrow he shoots from here on out.
12. Chris Evans - $40 million
Captain America himself has done pretty well for himself since donning the red, white, and blue way back in 2011’s The First Avenger. Evans has a reported net worth of $40 million, which comes largely from his work in Marvel films, but also from other roles he’s taken during his short breaks between Marvel films. Still, Evans mostly has his work as the most patriotic Avenger to thank for his enormous net worth.
Evans work as Captain America is among the best being done in any Marvel film, and that becomes especially clear when one considers how successful the Captain America movies have been, even without a superpowered team to draw audiences (with the exception of Civil War, of course). It’s unclear when exactly Evans is planning to the mantle on, but audiences will definitely see the actor back in action for Infinity War, and hopefully far beyond that.
11. John C. Reilly - $45 million
John C. Reilly’s almost a bit player in Talladega Nights to more arthouse fare like Magnolia.
There are very few things Reilly seems unable to do, and his presence seems to be in high demand among a particular subset of filmmakers. He’s the kind of actor who is impossible to pin down, and chooses to defy definition. There are very few actors more capable of diverse performances than John C. Reilly, and his spot on this list is a testament to the consistently excellent work he’s done.
10. Glenn Close - $50 million
Despite her rather small role in Guardians of the Galaxy, Glenn Close has built a stellar career during her lengthy time as an actress, earning her an estimated net worth of $50 million. Close is another actor who doesn’t really have Marvel to thank for her enormous success. Instead, her success is at least part of the reason why Marvel desired her for the role of Nova Supreme. Close brings a certain gravitas to the screen that only experienced actresses like her can muster, and that’s the kind of presence she brought to Marvel.
Close’s work prior to ing the Marvel universe included an array of roles in everything from Fatal Attraction to Hook. Her career spans decades and suggests incredible versatility. Glenn Close knows how to behave in front of a camera, and it’s this kind of experience that made her invaluable to Marvel, no matter what size her role.
9. Natalie Portman - $54 million
The first of several Star Wars prequels, which, despite their reputation, still made a great deal of money.
Like many on his list, Portman is also helped by a long career, one that spans several decades and has already earned her a great deal of acclaim. It’s unclear whether Portman will ever resurface within the Thor universe, but she’s another example of Marvel’s ability to acquire an incredible array of talent for their films.
8. Bradley Cooper - $60 million
Cooper’s meteoric rise to prominence is among the most fascinating in recent Hollywood history, but it’s no wonder that he landed a spot here. As Cooper's stock rises, so does his net worth, now clocking in at an estimated $60 million. While Marvel has certainly had something to do with Cooper’s rising finances, his work in films like The Hangover, both certifiable hits in their own right, have surely been a part of the picture as well.
Cooper is set to take on the role of Rocket Raccoon again for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, and also has a remarkably diverse slate of live action roles coming up. Cooper has proven to be a versatile talent, and his looks don’t hurt either. While Marvel may not choose to take advantage of that particular aspect of Cooper’s talent, it’s clear that they use him effectively as the angry, sarcastic raccoon everyone loves to smirk at.
7. Gwyneth Paltrow - $60 million
Though Paltrow has not had the hugest role in the Marvel universe, she is among the richest actors, in part because of her long career. Paltrow is reportedly worth $60 million, and her role as Pepper Potts has certainly contributed to that hefty total. Still, Paltrow’s work has also won her an Oscar and an Emmy, as well as making her into Tony Stark’s equal. Paltrow has also established a successful lifestyle brand called Goop.
Although Civil War reveals that the pair have hit a rough patch, Tony and Pepper work together to run Stark Industries, and it’s Pepper who ultimately saves the day in Iron Man 3. Since Paltrow did not appear in Civil War or Age of Ultron, it’s unclear exactly when the character will reemerge and in what capacity. What is abundantly clear, however, is that Paltrow’s presence lights up the screen, and makes her a convincing match for even Robert Downey Jr.
6. Chris Hemsworth - $60 million
One of the richer of the Avengers, Chris Hemsworth is actually tied with both Cooper and Paltrow with a reported net worth of $60 million. Hemsworth was relatively unknown when he was cast as the Norse God in 2011’s Thor, but his stock has only risen since then, even despite the somewhat limited success of Thor and its sequel. With movies like Ghostbusters, Hemsworth has created a diverse portfolio of films outside the Marvel universe that he can return to when he isn’t filming an Avengers movie.
Hemsworth’s stock will only continue to rise in the coming years, as his work with Marvel is far from over. Thor: Ragnarok is a promising entry in the franchise, one which may further elevate his net worth. Hemsworth is a handsome blond in his mid-thirties, so it’s unlikely the man will ever be out of work. Even so, his success is irable, and that’s reflected in the piles of money he probably swims in.