8 May – Marvel and Disney may be getting into big trouble about the sequel for their blockbuster success, "The Avengers", because the original cast are reportedly not willing to work for what Marvel intends to pay them for the upcoming sequel. For instance, Robert Downey Jr. who plays Tony Stark a.k.a. Iron Man, is rumoured to be paid a sum of USD 50 million for the sequel while the other cast-members have reportedly been offered a minimal USD 200,000 each. The reason? "Marvel needs Robert, and they don't have him. He's got a lot of leverage," says a source.
They do not need Scarlett Johansson as much, although she is reprising her role as Black Widow in "Captain America: The Winter Soldier". Chris Evans has already reportedly signed on for "The Avengers 2" after he wrapped up his contract for "Captain America 2: The Winter Soldier". Chris Hemsworth is a far bigger actor now than he was before "The Avengers", so it is most likely that the actor is expecting a pay raise. He reportedly told Marvel that he would not show up for "The Avengers 2" for what they have offered him so far. Mark Ruffalo, who is arguably one of the better actors in the cast is likely the lowest paid, along with Jeremy Renner and Samuel L. Jackson. They are all expecting USD 5 million or more, with a backend deal for "The Avengers 2", but so far Marvel would not agree to it.