2026’s Top-Grossing Actors: Who Will Outshine Robert Downey Jr.?
Robert Downey Jr. is making a dramatic Marvel comeback as Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday, with a record-breaking $100 million deal. As the film aims for a $2 billion box office, a fierce race is brewing among Hollywood’s biggest stars for the title of highest-grossing actor in 2026.
Robert Downey Jr. is gearing up for a blockbuster return to the Marvel world, this time stepping into the shoes of the infamous Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday. With a staggering $100 million paycheck, he’s set to headline a film that’s projected to rake in over $2 billion, following in the footsteps of Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame.
While Downey Jr. is no stranger to box office dominance, he’s not the only star with major releases lined up for 2026. Several A-listers are poised to challenge him for the year’s top-grossing actor spot, each bringing their own high-profile projects to the table. Here’s a look at the contenders who could give Downey Jr. a run for his money.
Franchise Favorites Return to the Spotlight
Dwayne Johnson is set to make waves with his return as Maui in the live-action Moana remake and another round in the Jumanji franchise. The original Moana pulled in $687.2 million, while its 2024 sequel soared past $1 billion. Johnson’s previous Jumanji films have already grossed $1.7 billion combined, setting the stage for another big year.
Tom Holland is back after a brief hiatus, starring in Spider- Man: Brand New Day, the much-anticipated follow-up to No Way Home, which earned $1.9 billion. He’s also joining Christopher Nolan ’s ensemble for The Odyssey, taking on the role of Telemachus. With Nolan’s Oppenheimer having grossed nearly $1 billion and sweeping the Oscars, expectations are sky-high for his next project.
Versatile Stars Take on New Challenges
Anne Hathaway joins The Odyssey’s star-studded cast and is set to headline several films in 2026, including the sequel to The Devil Wears Prada. The original comedy made $326.7 million, and the sequel is expected to surpass that. Hathaway also leads in Mother Mary, a psychological horror, and stars in the adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s Verity, as well as Flowervale Street.
Jason Momoa is keeping busy with The Wrecking Crew, an Amazon Prime Video exclusive, and voicing Bear in Animal Friends. He’s also taking on the role of Lobo in Supergirl and joining the cast of Street Fighter. Momoa returns as Duncan Idaho in Dune: Part Three, with the franchise’s first two films earning a combined $1.12 billion.
Rising Talent and Franchise Powerhouses
Benny Safdie, a frequent Christopher Nolan collaborator, is back for The Odyssey after a small part in Oppenheimer. He’s also voicing Bowser Jr. in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, the sequel to the billion-dollar Super Mario Bros. Movie.
Anya Taylor-Joy reprises her role as Princess Peach in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie and returns as Alia Atreides in Dune: Part Three. Both sequels are expected to be major box office draws. Taylor-Joy also stars in Sacrifice, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, alongside a cast that includes Chris Evans and Salma Hayek.
Blockbuster Veterans and New Faces
Robert Pattinson is looking to rebound from a quieter 2025 with a packed slate. He stars with Zendaya in The Drama and plays Antinous in The Odyssey, marking his second collaboration with Nolan. Pattinson is also confirmed for Dune: Part Three, with speculation swirling about his role as the villain Scytale.
Florence Pugh, fresh off her performance in Thunderbolts*, is set for a major role in Avengers: Doomsday, facing off against Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom. She’ll also return as Princess Irulan in Dune: Part Three, positioning her as a top contender for box office success.
Pedro Pascal reprises his role as Reed Richards in Avengers: Doomsday after debuting in The Fantastic Four: First Steps. He’s also back as Din Djarin in The Mandalorian & Grogu, a Star Wars film that’s sure to draw massive crowds.
Zendaya is everywhere this year, starring alongside Tom Holland in both Spider-Man: Brand New Day and The Odyssey, where she plays Athena. She also appears in The Drama with Robert Pattinson and returns as Chani in Dune: Part Three. With multiple major franchises under her belt, Zendaya is set to be one of the year’s biggest box office draws.