The actor's "in-disposable" role in two high-profile movie franchises has greatly benefited the actor financially.
Actor Robert Downey Jr. has toped Forbes annual highest-earners in Hollywood list for the second year in a row.
The American business magazine concludes that Downey, 49, earned roughly $75 million between June 2013 and June 2014.
The editors at Forbes credit Downey for being an “in-disposable” part of the Iron Man and Avengers franchises. Both film series, produced by Marvel, have generated more than $4 billion at the box office worldwide, millions of dollars in home video sales and more yet in merchandise sales.
Such high sales figures give Downey more clout when negotiating salaries.
To determine Downey’s and other actors’ estimated entertainment-related earnings, magazine staff spoke to agents, producers and lawyers. “We do not deduct for taxes, agent fees or the costs of being a celebrity,” notes Forbes staff writer Dorothy Pomerantz.
Other top-earning actors include former wrestler Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who plays the title character in the upcoming Hercules — which comes out Friday. His estimated $57 million in earnings gives him the second spot, behind Downey.
Bradley Cooper ranked third, earning an estimated $46 million, while Leonardo DiCaprio’s estimated $39 million in earnings places him fourth.
Chris Hemworth, bolstered by his titular role in the Thor series, earned an estimated $37 million and rounds out Forbes’ top five highest-earning actors in Hollywood.
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