It's Simple, Famous Actors Get Paid More Than Costume Designers

A few days ago, Robert Downey Jr. announced at Comic-Conthat he'll be returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) to play the iconic villain Doctor Doom. This announcement was met by mixed feelings about the casting — not to mention the actor’s huge paycheck.

Variety reported that Downey, who just won a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his role in Oppenheimer, is set to make more than US$ 100 million to return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He starred in the first film of the new superhero dynasty, 2008’s "Iron Man", and has appeared as Tony Stark in 11 movies total. Downey is expected to play an entirely separate character — now the main villain rather than the lead "Avenger" — in the upcoming films "Avengers: Doomsday" and "Avengers: Secret Wars".

Marvel is known for using cameos of beloved superheroes and cast members into their movies, brushing off any recasting and repeat appearances as quirks of the complicated "multiverse.” The studio’s latest release, "Deadpool and Wolverine", is loaded with cameos and just broke records — a relief after Marvel’s 2023 was tinged with box office failures and off-screen controversy.

Downey’s massive deal with Marvel likely had something to do with his choice to return to the multiverse. It includes a private jet, a private security team and a "trailer encampment," per Variety. His enormous payday struck a nerve with some members of the entertainment industry.

Tyler Scruggs, who worked as a costume production assistant on the set of "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever", went viral on X for posting about how little he was paid for the project.

"I know he gets butts in seats," Scruggs said. "Even a low-paying job brought some level of prestige. It looks good on a resume, but I can't eat or pay for my health care. I've never been at such a rock bottom in my life."

Scruggs claimed at X that he made US$ 12.50 an hour working 70+ hours a week on "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" ... went up to US$ 14 on "Blade v1.0".

"I knew how much money they were paying me, but I didn’t have any negotiating power," Scruggs said. "It could have been such a magical experience, but it ended up being a nightmare because the people making decisions at the top don’t consider how they affect the people at the bottom."

What Scruggs failed to acknowledge that the industry is operating on the concept of "demand and supply". Whatever the consumers asked for and demands from the producers is a movie with unique star power. Robert Downey has the clout and the power to attract the audiences and he is being paid for this. Downey is irreplacable.

Scruggs services can be done by thousand of other workers. He is not unique. He is despensible. He can be replaced. He is not important and he is paid for being irrelevant. There are more people willing to do what he is doing at a lower rate. That's how the market works. If he doesn't like it, then he is welcome to remove himself.