The silver screen shimmers with captivating performances, but behind the magic lies the business of filmmaking. And a big part of that business? Actors with the star power to command top dollar. From action heroes to comedic legends, here’s a look at the actors currently reigning supreme in the world of high earner salaries, based on estimates for the period ending June 2024 (data from Forbes and industry reports):
1. Tom Cruise (Estimated Earnings: $130 Million): He’s defied gravity, outrun fighter jets, and brought “Top Gun” back to the top. Tom Cruise remains a box office powerhouse, with his latest “Top Gun: Maverick” soaring past the billion-dollar mark. Expect his earnings to climb even higher with additional upcoming projects including the action thriller “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” and the space adventure “Luna Park.”
2. Ryan Reynolds & Blake Lively (Estimated Earnings: $80 Million – Combined): This power couple is a force to be reckoned with. Reynolds’ comedic charisma continues to shine in films like the recently announced “Free Guy 2” and his lucrative production deals with platforms like Netflix. Lively’s star power remains undeniable, with whispers of a potential superhero role on the horizon.
3. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson (Estimated Earnings: $75 Million): The Rock keeps on rockin’ the box office. His action-packed adventures and undeniable charm continue to draw audiences in droves, with highly anticipated projects like the DC Comics film “Black Adam” poised to further solidify his financial dominance. Johnson is also attached to star in the action comedy “Red Notice 2” alongside Gal Gadot.
4. Chris Hemsworth (Estimated Earnings: $65 Million): The mighty Thor brings in the big bucks! Hemsworth’s superheroic appeal extends beyond the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with projects like the action-packed sequel “Extraction 2” keeping his earning potential high. Hemsworth is also rumored to be attached to a new action thriller film currently in development.
5. Leonardo DiCaprio & Brad Pitt (Estimated Earnings: $60 Million – Combined): Hollywood royalty strikes again! DiCaprio and Pitt’s reunion in Quentin Tarantino’s “Killers of the Flower Moon” is one of the most anticipated films of the year, and their combined star power guarantees a hefty payday. DiCaprio is also rumored to be circling a historical drama set in the early 20th century.
6. Sandra Bullock (Estimated Earnings: $55 Million): The queen of reinvention! Bullock continues to defy expectations, taking on diverse roles that resonate with audiences worldwide. Her upcoming space thriller alongside Channing Tatum, currently untitled, is sure to keep her earnings on the rise. Bullock is also attached to produce several upcoming films.
7. Jennifer Lawrence (Estimated Earnings: $50 Million): J.Law’s return to the big screen is a welcome sight for fans. After a brief hiatus, Lawrence is back with several high-profile projects lined up, including the dark comedy “Bad Blood” and the drama “Mob Girl,” proving her star power hasn’t diminished.
8. Vin Diesel (Estimated Earnings: $48 Million): The “Fast & Furious” franchise continues to fuel Diesel’s financial success. With “Fast X” roaring into theaters this summer, he remains a force to be reckoned with in the action genre. Diesel is also rumored to be attached to a sci-fi action film in the early stages of development.
9. Robert Downey Jr. (Estimated Earnings: $45 Million): Iron Man may be retired, but Downey Jr.’s star power isn’t. He continues to command high fees for select projects, like the upcoming mystery thriller “Sherlock Holmes 3.” Downey Jr. is also attached to produce several television projects.
10. Will Smith (Estimated Earnings: $40 Million): Despite recent controversies, Smith’s talent and box office appeal can’t be denied. His upcoming historical drama “Emancipation” has the potential to boost his earnings further. Smith also has a couple of additional projects in the pipeline, including a comedy and a biopic.
11. Denzel Washington (Estimated Earnings: $38 Million): A true Hollywood legend, Washington’s talent and gravitas continue to be in high demand. Look for him next in the legal thriller “Just Mercy 2.
12. Margot Robbie (Estimated Earnings: $35 Million): This Aussie starlet is a force to be reckoned with. Fresh off the success of “Barbie,” Robbie tackles a dramatic role in the upcoming biopic “Elizabeth, I.” She’s also rumored to be attached to a new “Pirates of the Caribbean” film.
13. Emilia Clarke (Estimated Earnings: $32 Million): The Mother of Dragons soars to new heights! Clarke takes on a challenging role in the psychological thriller “Patient Zero,” and is also rumored to be circling a leading role in a high-profile science fiction series.
14. Idris Elba (Estimated Earnings: $30 Million): Elba’s commanding presence continues to captivate audiences. He’ll next be seen reprising his role as Luther in the feature film adaptation of the popular detective series. Elba is also attached to star in a new action film from director Antoine Fuqua.
15. Scarlett Johansson (Estimated Earnings: $28 Million): A versatile talent, Johansson continues to make waves in Hollywood. While details are scarce, she’s rumored to be attached to a new project with her production company, sparking excitement among fans.
16. Chris Pratt (Estimated Earnings: $25 Million): The comedic charm and action hero persona keep Pratt in demand. He’s slated to star in the upcoming animated film “Garfield” and is also rumored to be circling a new action-comedy project.
17. Zendaya (Estimated Earnings: $23 Million): This rising star’s talent is undeniable. Fresh off the success of “Euphoria,” Zendaya takes on a lead role in the romantic comedy “A Little Romance” and is also rumored to be attached to a new superhero film.
18. Timothée Chalamet (Estimated Earnings: $20 Million): Hollywood’s heartthrob continues to impress with his acting chops. Look for him next in the sci-fi epic “Dune: Part Two” and the drama “Bones & All.” Chalamet is also rumored to be circling a leading role in a historical biopic.
19. Florence Pugh (Estimated Earnings: $18 Million): This British actress is quickly becoming a household name. She’ll next be seen in the psychological thriller “Don’t Worry Darling” and the biographical drama “Oppenheimer.” Pugh is also rumored to be attached to a new spy thriller film.
20. Anya Taylor-Joy (Estimated Earnings: $15 Million): From horror queen to Hollywood darling, Taylor-Joy’s career is on a meteoric rise. She takes on a villainous role in the upcoming action film “Mad Max: Furiosa” and is also rumored to be circling a leading role in a new science fiction series.
This list is just the tip of the iceberg! Hollywood is a dynamic landscape, and new stars are constantly emerging. Keep your eyes peeled for the next generation of high earners to take center stage.
Want to learn more? Here are some resources for further exploration:
- Forbes: Highest-Paid Actors List (https://www.forbes.com/celebrities/list/)
- The Numbers: Top Stars at the Box Office (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_highest-grossing_actors)
So, who will top the charts next year? Only time – and the box office – will tell!
