MCU: 10 Behind The Scenes Feuds Marvel Studios Doesn't Want You To Know

Marvel Studios can do no wrong in cinemas, but behind the scenes, they're not so squeaky clean...

By Josh Wilding /

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is one of the most successful franchises in the history of cinemas. Kicking off with Iron Man in 2008, Marvel Studios has since released hit after hit, with Avengers: Endgame becoming the highest-grossing movie off all-time when it arrived in cinemas last year.

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Behind the scenes, it often hasn't been smooth sailing for the Kevin Feige-led outfit. "Creative differences" have led to many a high-profile departure, with Scott Derrickson recently replaced by Sam Raimi on the upcoming Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, for example. However, there have been bigger feuds than that seemingly amicable parting of ways.

Whether it's between those working behind-the-scenes - which has had major ramifications for how the MCU has played out - or actors who took issue with their co-stars or even those pulling the strings, there have been some huge clashes which Marvel Studios would definitely prefer to keep quiet.

The studio has frequently butted heads with filmmakers and actors alike, and while they certainly have a pretty good reputation, these will remind you that, at their core, Marvel Studios is a business and won't shy away from being ruthless when the occasion calls for it. Still, it's certainly paid off for them...

10. Terrence Howard Vs. Robert Downey Jr.

2008's Iron Man was the opening chapter in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and it may surprise you to learn that Robert Downey Jr. didn't exactly score a huge pay day for a role that would ultimately make him the face of this shared world. Instead, his co-star Terrence Howard, earned considerably more due to being a bigger star at the time (and a safer bet than Downey after his past substance abuse issues).

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Much to the surprise of many, Iron Man was a critical and commercial hit when those were few and far between for the superhero genre, and when the sequel was given the green light, Howard wanted a massive pay increase. Unfortunately for him, Marvel Studios wasn't willing to play ball.

As a result, he was recast, with Don Cheadle taking over in 2010's Iron Man 2. While Howard definitely harbours some ill will towards Marvel Studios, it's Robert Downey Jr. who he blames for the way things panned out. "It turns out that the person I helped become Iron Man...when it was time to re-up for the second one, (he) took the money that was supposed to go to me and pushed me out."

That's a bold claim, and it seems there's a lot of resentment that Downey secured the deal he wanted.

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