Cast member Robert Downey Jr. poses at a press line for "Avengers: Age of Ultron"
Cast member Robert Downey Jr. poses at a press line for "Avengers: Age of Ultron" during the 2014 Comic-Con International Convention in San Diego, California July 26, 2014. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni Reuters/Mario Anzuoni

For the third consecutive year, Robert Downey Jr. has topped Forbes' list of highest paid actors for 2015, with an average paycheck of US$80 million (AU$109 million). He earned US$75 million (AU$102 million) in 2013 and again in 2014.

What is particularly interesting about the current year's list is the increased number of non-Caucasian actors, according to Forbes. Jackie Chan ranked at number 2 with US$50 million (AU$68 million). Bollywood actors Amitabh Bachchan and Salman Khan are both at No. 7 with US$33.5 million (AU$46 million) while Akshay Kumar is at No. 8 with US$32.5 million (AU$44 million). They are all ahead of Mark Wahlberg, US$32 million (AU$43 million), Dwayne Johnson, US$31.5 million(AU$43 million), and Johnny Depp, US$30 million (AU$40 million).

The other superstars in the top 10 are Vin Diesel, No. 3 with US$47 million (AU$64 million), Bradley Cooper No. 4 with $41.5 million (AU$56 million), Adam Sandler, No. 5 with US$41 million (AU$55.52 million), and Tom Cruise, No. 6 with US$40 million (AU$54 million). The Forbes 2015 list also welcomed 12 newcomers, including Seth Rogen and Jonah Hill with US$17 million (AU$23 million) and US$16 million (AU$22 million) respectively. It also welcomed two other Bollywood stars, namely Shah Rukh Khan (US$26 million/AU$35 million) and Ranbir Kapoor (US$15 million/AU$20 million).

Forbes writes that much of Downey's earnings is driven by "Avengers: Age of Ultron" where he appears as Iron Man/Tony Stark. Even in China, which is supposedly Chan's turf, "Avengers" grossed US$240 million (AU$326 million) in the People's Republic alone.

The list is based on income before taxes and fees recorded from June 1, 2014 to June 1, 2015. The latest Forbes' highest paid males roster includes 34 actors from seven countries, generating a total of US$941 million (AU$1.27 billion). Click here to see the full list with photos from Forbes. The magazine releases a separate list for females.

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