From Robert Downey Jr. to a legion of shirtless dudes named Chris, the Marvel movie universe is growing in size and star power by the month. You’ve probably heard that some of the key players have signed ridiculous, eternal contracts that will have them donning mech suits well into the next millennium, but the reality is that many of them have already checked off a huge chunk of their contracted heroism.
ROBERT DOWNEY JR.
Contract Length: Movie to movie (just re-upped for two more films)
Number Fulfilled: 4 (“Iron Man,” “Iron Man 2,” “The Avengers,” “Iron Man 3”)
What’s Next: “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” Untitled “Avengers 3”
Future: Rumors he’ll sign up for “Iron Man 4,” then … who knows? Does Don Cheadle’s Rhodey take the Iron Man mantle, as he did in the comics?
CHRIS EVANS
Contract Length: 6 films
Number Fulfilled: 3 (“Captain America: The First Avenger,” “The Avengers,” “Captain America: The Winter Soldier”)
What’s Next: “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” Untitled “Avengers 3,” Untitled “Captain America 3”
Future: We’ve been introduced to two men who have been bequeathed Cap’s shield in the comics – Sam Wilson/Falcon and Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier – so there are options seeing as Evans’ run is all but in the books. Marvel just signed up Winter Soldier Sebastian Stan to a 9-picture deal, so he’s the favorite.
CHRIS HEMSWORTH
Contract Length: 6 films
Number Fulfilled: 3 (“Thor,” “The Avengers,” “Thor: The Dark World”)
What’s Next: “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” Untitled “Thor 3,” Untitled “Avengers 3”
Future: A surprising variety of people have wielded Mjolnir in the comics, including a woman, a frog and a horse-faced alien. Hemsworth is replaceable.
SAMUEL L. JACKSON
Contract Length: 9 films
Number Fulfilled: 6 (“Iron Man,” “Iron Man 2,” “Thor,” “Captain America: The First Avenger,” “The Avengers,” “Captain America: The Winter Soldier”)
What’s Next: “Avengers: Age of Ultron”
Future: Sam is both flexible (his appearances on the TV series “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” don’t count against his contract) and an actor who never turns down a role. There’s probably a re-up coming his way.
MARK RUFFALO
Contract Length: 6 films
Number Fulfilled: 1 (“The Avengers”)
What’s Next: “Avengers: Age of Ultron”
Future: Are you ready for some more Hulk? Marvel hopes so, since Ruffalo’s barely made a dent in his contract and he’s already the third guy to play Bruce Banner.
SCARLETT JOHANSSON
Contract Length: Movie to movie
Number Fulfilled: 3 (“Iron Man 2,“ “The Avengers,” “Captain America: The Winter Soldier”)
What’s Next: “Avengers: Age of Ultron”
Future: Scarlett (and fans) have been clamoring for a Black Widow solo movie. The success of “Lucy” might just make that happen
JEREMY RENNER
Contract Length: Movie to movie
Number Fulfilled: 2 (“Thor,“ “The Avengers”)
What’s Next: “Avengers: Age of Ultron”
Future: “How do we up the ante in ‘Avengers 2’?” “I guess an Avenger has to die.” <whole room turns to stare at Renner awkwardly>
SEBASTIAN STAN
Contract Length: 9 films
Number Fulfilled: 1 (“Captain America: The Winter Soldier”)
What’s Next: “Avengers: Age of Ultron” (unconfirmed), Untitled “Captain America 3”
Future: His first appearance as Bucky in Cap 1 was pre-contract, so Marvel clearly has big plans for Stan. Probably involving a lot of red, white and/or blue.
ANTHONY MACKIE
Contract Length: Movie to movie
Number Fulfilled: 1 (“Captain America: The Winter Soldier”)
What’s Next: Mackie’s been openly begging to appear in “Avengers: Age of Ultron,“ but probably won’t.
Future: Looking like sidekick city.
CHRIS PRATT
Contract Length: 7 (possibly 8)
Number Fulfilled: 1 (“Guardians of the Galaxy”)
What’s Next: Untitled “Guardians of the Galaxy 2”
Future: A hell of a lot more Star Lord, which is great, so long as his crew is locked up, too.
