Robert Downey Jr. is the highest paid actor in Hollywood for a second year running, Forbes has announced, putting Iron Man star top of the list with earnings totalling around $75 million. It is his involvement with the Marvel franchise that boosts his position to pole – the movie bagged around $1.2b when it was released last May and comprises the bulk of his counted earnings.

Robert Downey JrRobert Downey Jr is a rich, rich man [Getty/Jason Merritt]

Given Iron Man’s heavy involvement with the Avengers team – the highest grossing single film in the entirety of the company’s output – Downey Jr. presence in the upcoming instalment, Age of Ultron, means he’ll be ‘there or there abouts’ for a few years to come, we’d predict. 

Dwayne Johnson, or The Rock, has enjoyed a hugely profitable year, jumping from fifth to second spot; he’s estimated to have made $52 million (£30m) after starring in G.I. Joe: Retaliation and the Fast and Furious films. The 42-year-old is currently on press duties for his upcoming Hercules movie. 

Bradley Cooper’s “work in the lucrative Hangover franchise has given him the ability to take risks with smaller films like Silver Linings Playbook and American Hustle," said Forbes. The Hangover star is third in the list, despite enjoying some critically acclaimed roles in smaller budget movies. He’s back on the popcorn hunt with Guardians of The Galaxy, though.

Leonardo DiCaprioLeonardo DiCaprio earned $39 million [Getty/Angela Weiss]

Leonardo DiCaprio is never far away from these lists; it is estimated that The Wolf of Wall Street, which made $395 million worldwide, and The Great Gatsby earned the 39-year-old an estimated $39 million in waged. Compare that to Jonah Hill’s payslip for Martin Scorsese’s take of debauchery and you’ll wince. 

Thor actor Chris Hemsworth completed the top five with $37 million while Mark Wahlberg, who was in fourth last year following the success of Ted, only just managed a top 10 finish this year along with Will Smith.

More: On Set Pictures From The Filming of 'Avengers: Age of Ultron' [Photos]

More: Really early reviews of 'Guardians of the Galaxy'

More: Is 'The Revenant' Leonardo DiCaprio's Oscar winning movie?