Back in 2018, the Marvel Cinematic Universe celebrated its 10th anniversary by releasing three super big films: Black Panther, Ant-Man and the Wasp and Avengers: Infinity War. Combined, these movies made over $4 billion worldwide at the box-office.

The MCU is full of A-list actors, and even some that got their career started thanks to Marvel. For example, Robert Downey JR has become an icon to the world, as well as one of the highest-paid actors in history and Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson and Chris Evans all had their careers made with these films.

Playing a part looks easy. What many don’t know though is there is a lot of rules and regulations actors must follow, especially those under contract with the MCU - and with Disney now calling the shots, the rules have only got stricter.

Here are 20 rules MCU actors MUST follow.

20 Netflix Is The Only Program Allowed To Create R-Rated Content

Disney has one rule, all Marvel movies must be appropriate in order to wrangle in a larger audience.

According to looper.com, Disney wants content that is good for both kids and adults, and because of this, they make sure that their films aren’t too violent. When it comes to Netflix though, they are more open with their content.

19 Smoking Is Prohibited

Disney/Marvel wants nothing more than to be a good role model for all the children watching.

According to looper.com, because of this, smoking is prohibited in any Disney films. This is why they chose to leave Nick Fury’s signature gigantic cigar that he has in the comics out of the movies.

18 Act Like A Superhero On-Screen & Off-Screen

Just because an actor is off set, doesn’t mean they can ignore Disney’s rules.

According to looper.com, MCU actors are expected to always adhere to the Disney image. Everyone has their own particular act of charity. For example, Scarlett works with charitable organizations that feed people from other third-world countries and Chris Evans visits sick kids in hospitals dressed as Captain America.

17 Remain In Shape

Superhero or villain, it doesn’t matter what part they play, if they are going to be part of the MCU they must remain in shape by completing vigorous workout routines every day and maintaining a strict diet.

According to looper.com, most Marvel actors are required to log around two hours of gym time a day as well as eat a diet of boiled chicken and dried oats.

16 Once Signed With The MCU, They Must Relinquish All Creative Rights

It’s a common practice for Marvel actors to appear in other superhero movies. The director is the one who knows what is going to happen to their character, which is why actors must follow the director’s guidelines and forget about having leeway with their character.

According to looper.com, Edward Norton, the actor who played Bruce Banner in the 2008 Incredible Hulk film, had issues with this, which is why he didn’t return for more films.

15 They Must Go Through Lots Of Procedures To Make Sure There Are No Plot Leaks

MCU actors must endure a rigorous procedure in order to avoid leaking any plots to upcoming movies.

According to looper.com, Elizabeth Olsen admitted that during script readings, they must give up all electrical devices and then sit in a windowless room alone, where they must read the script all at once because they can’t come back.

14 Be Prepared For Re-Shoots

Re-shoots are going to happen, no matter what movie set an actor is on.

According to looper.com though, Marvel takes their re-shoots very seriously. With so many different story-lines interacting with one another, re-shoots are bound to happen as the plot evolves. All actors under contract are obligated to always show up when a re-shoot is necessary.

13 Performing Overly Dangerous Stunts Is Out Of The Question

There are some actors that prefer to do their own stunts.

According to looper.com, Disney doesn’t like any of their MCU actors perform any kind of stunt that is declared too dangerous by the higher-ups. Due to the fact if they are injured, they can’t be replaced so shooting would have to pause, they must follow this rule.

12 Refusing Appearances Is A No-No

When a Marvel actor signs their contract, they are not signing for just one film, but for multiples.

According to looper.com, when the studio calls to film, they are required to come, even if it’s a 5-minute cameo. If they sign a contract for 2 or 4 films, they must fulfill their obligation until those films are finished.

11 They Must Go To All Press Tours

Another thing Marvel actors must participate in is press tours.

According to looper.com, just because the cameras stop rolling, doesn’t mean that an actor’s job is done. They still have a lot of traveling, interviews, and tours to do. One night they could be in China, the next Germany or back in the States. They travel all over the world to gain exposure for their upcoming film.

10 Be Ready To Go To All Toy & Video Game Appearances

Yet again, another thing that Marvel actors need to be available for.

According to looper.com, MCU actors must remain available for all Disney toy and video game manufactures. This means they must travel to stores all over the world for the latest products or they must stand in front of a green screen so their features can be recorded for the newest upcoming video game.

9 Crossing Over To The DC Universe Is Not Allowed

This is one of the biggest rules MCU actors must follow.

According to looper.com, once an actor is part of the MCU, they are not allowed to step foot on a DC Extended Universe set. In fact, Chris Hemsworth spoke up at the 2017 Supernova Comic-Con and stated that working in a DC movie is illegal for them.

8 They Must Go Through Extensive Background Checks

No matter how small the roles is, that person is going to have to go through an extensive background check.

According to cbr.com, the background checks are to dig up any skeletons they might have. In fact, Tom Vaughan-Lawlor, the actor who played Ebony Maw in Avengers: Infinity War, stated that they want to make sure they aren’t “hiring someone with baggage” or someone likely to leak things to the public.

7 Don't Ask For More Money, Or You're Out

As stated earlier, Edward Norton didn’t like that Marvel didn’t allow him some leeway with this character, and therefore didn’t return for any Incredible Hulk Sequels.

Well, according to cbr.com, Terrence Howard, who played James Rhodes in Iron Man, was replaced after the first movie with Don Cheadle because he felt the studio low-balled him during contract negotiations and made a stink about it.

6 Be Ready For Extensive Fight Training & Lengthy Sessions To Learn Choreography

We already know that to be a Marvel superhero or villain, an actor must make sure to maintain a proper diet and exercise routine.

According to cbr.com, they also are expected to take part in extensive fight training exercises as well, so they are more prepared for the action scenes in the movies. For example, Chadwick Boseman was training in martial arts for his role in Black Panther.

5 Be Ready For Lengthy Make-Up Sessions

Some actors in the MCU wear so much makeup that they are unrecognizable. They must sit through hours of makeup and prosthetics before they can film their scenes.

According to cbr.com, Karen Gillan, the actress who plays Nebula, shaved her head and sat in a makeup chair every morning to become her character in Guardians of the Galaxy.

4 Cameo Appearances In Other Films Are Essential

Every movie in the MCU connects in some way. At any point in time, a character’s story can cross over into that of another character, making the Marvel movies super exciting for us.

According to cbr.com, Marvel actors aren’t restricted to just their movie, they will sometimes make cameos in other movies. When it comes to singing their contracts, they are obligated to agree to any cameo appearances in other films.

3 Be Ready To Sign For Multiple Movies In One Contract

As stated a few times, when an actor signs his or her contract, they aren’t just signing up for one movie, but for multiples.

According to cbr.com, rumor is that when they sign their contracts, it's normal for them to sign up for six other films at once. By doing this, they are making sure there is less of a need for contract negotiations later down the line if their careers take off.

2 Researching A Part Is Encouraged, But Not Mandatory

One thing fans love to see is an actor actually researching the part they are going to play.

According to cbr.com, fans love to think that actors care about the parts they are playing and it's not just all about the money. Hearing they are reading a bunch of comics to better learn their role will go over better with the fans.

1 Be Ready To Sign Your Image Away

When a fan buys a figurine, they expect it to look just like the actor who plays that role.

According to cbr.com, for this to happen, the actor must sign a contract that basically gives all their rights away to their likeness. They will now appear on everything from toys, to cereal boxes, to posters and statues.

A lot of computer mapping is needed to create the merchandise, so they must make sure they are available when needed.

Sources: looper.com & cbr.com