Which Star Brings Hollywood The Best Bang For The Buck?
Posted August 7, 2007 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
It’s the role he was “Bourne” to play. And according to a new survey, the studio is getting its money’s worth. Forbes Magazine has calculated how much stars actually bring in for the amount of money they’re paid. And the big winner in this cash calculation is none other than Matt Damon. His “Bourne Ultimatum” was at the top of the box office over the weekend, a huge hit in its opening days. The movie made just over $70 million since it was released last week, the biggest amount ever pulled in by a film that had its premiere in August. Forbes estimates Damon brought in $29 for every dollar he was paid to star in all three Bourne movies, making him the star that gives Hollywood the biggest bang for its buck.
Brad Pitt is the second overpaid bargain. He made the studios $24 for every loonie he earned, while the unlikely duo of Johnny Depp and Vince Vaughn tied for third at $21 apiece. Next up – Pitt’s former significant other and ex-girl “Friend” Jennifer Aniston. She raked in $17 for every buck she was paid. Angelia Jolie followed with $15.
Forbes totalled worldwide box office and revenues from DVD and videos to come up with the figures, using the amount an actor was paid and their last three films as a guideline.
But while some have the star power, not all of them have the earning pull. Tom Hanks only brings in $12 in exchange for his contracts, while couch jumper Tom Cruise pulls in a buck less. Move to Will Smith and Denzel Washington and you’re down to just $10. And by the time you get to Adam Sandler, the single digits start. He earns film companies just $9 for every big deal contract he lands. Will Ferrell and former huge draw Jim Carrey only fetch 8 bucks each.
Other names on the list include Ben Stiller, Reese Witherspoon, Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lopez. And by the time you get to high maintenance Oscar winner Russell Crowe, you’re down to just $5. Of course, it all adds up to a fortune most of us can hardly conceive of and there will be no tag days for any of the performers or their fat cat bosses. But it just shows that even big names aren’t always money in the bank. Or on the marquee.
To see the full list, click here.
Photo credit: Robyn Beck/AFP/Getty Images
