Stars Who Earned Millions For One Role

Many of us know that celebrities earn a disproportionate amount of money per movie or per project. Some of them make seven to eight digits on one film alone. Others who are not so lucky might earn five to six digits. Their earnings are considerably higher than what ordinary folks make because the moviemakers are paying for their brand, their name and earning potential. A film that had Brad Pitt, Mel Gibson or Jennifer Aniston in its credits would surely generate more income because of these actors’ huge fan base. Most new actors opt for an upfront payment because it allows them to use the money now for other money-generating schemes.

In contrast, more financially talented celebrities opt for a smaller initial fee and then ask for a 10% to 20% income from the overall sales. Sometimes having an initial payment is a good decision, especially if the movie flops, but in cases where it becomes a blockbuster, actors who selected the second option turn out better off. Either way, these stars are lucky to be part of an industry that makes millions for them.

Tom Cruise | War of the Worlds

We know that Tom Cruise is a very versatile actor, and though he only earned $50,000 for his participation in Taps in 1981, he made sure to practice his craft and improve. Succeeding projects proved more financially rewarding for him, and he saw a 50% increase in his salary in Risky Business, where he got $75,000. Fast forward to the 2000s, Cruise is now a highly-established celebrity who can command a steep price.

He displayed excellent money management skills when he opted for 20% of the revenue of the 2005 film War of the Worlds. The actor could have readily accepted a fee of around $10 million, but went for the more risky move knowing the movie’s potential. That decision proved right as he took home $100 million from this one movie alone. His earnings from the Mission Impossible franchise are in the millions, too. So yes, he is one lucky, talented and wealthy actor.