8 Times Supporting Actors Were Paid More Than The Lead Stars

1. Iron Man

TERRENCE HOWARD MADE MORE THAN ROBERT DOWNEY JR.

It’s hard to believe but 13 years ago, one of the highest-paid actors in the world was paid less than his co-star for his breakthrough film. Robert Downey Jr. wasn’t as big of a deal as he’s today back then. His co-star Terrence Howard who played the role of Tony Stark’s sidekick in the film was able to make a whopping $4.5 million. Downey on the other made a ninth of Howard’s paycheck.

2. Avatar

SIGOURNEY WEAVER EARNED MORE THAN SAM WORTHINGTON

Although Avatar is one of the highest-grossing movies of all time, who would believe its lead stars were paid less than a co-star. Even with a total box office collection of $2.8 billion, the lead actors Zoe Saldana and Sam Worthington remained highly underpaid. Their co-star Sigourney Weaver made a whopping $11 million for her role of Grace in Avatar.

3. Man Of Steel

AMY ADAMS EARNED MORE THAN HENRY CAVILL

It’s hard to believe but Henry Cavill didn’t even make a 7-figure paycheque in 2013’s Man Of Steel. Cavil was paid only $300,000 for playing Superman. His co-star Amy Adams on the other hand who was more established than Cavill back then easily swooped in millions more than him.

4. Batman and Robin

ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER EARNED MORE THAN GEORGE CLOONEY

Mr. Freeze has often been called out as one of the worst movie villains of all time. However, that was barely a concern for Arnold Schwarzenegger who took home $25 million from the movie. Back in the ’90s, Arnie was a big name. Getting him to play a Batman villain had to be an expensive job. He was reportedly paid 20 times more than what George Clooney received.

5. Superman: The Movie

MARLON BRANDO EARNED MORE THAN CHRISTOPHER REEVE

Famously known for his role of the Kryptonian Clark Kent, Christopher Reeve surprisingly didn’t take home much from his superhero flick. Reeve was apparently paid $250,000 for playing a well-known comic book character. His co-star Marlon Brando who played the role of his father made $3.7 million and an additional 11.75% as backend earnings for a 20-minute appearance in the entire movie.

6. Good Will Hunting

ROBIN WILLIAMS EARNED MORE THAN MATT DAMON

We naturally assume that the lead star is the highest-paid artist of any film. The case wasn’t so true for Matt Damon who did Gus Van Sant’s Good Will Hunting in 1997. Back then Damon did not have an established career. Despite also working as the co-writer for this film, Damon could only make a total of $650,000. His co-star Robin Williams on the other hand got a $5 million paycheque (with an additional cut from the profits).

7. Star Wars: The Force Awakens

MARK HAMILL, HARRISON FORD & CARRIE FISHER MADE MORE THAN DAISY RIDLEY

The announcement of the seventh episode of the Star Wars saga broke the internet in no time. The film featured the return of the beloved trio of Luke, Leia Skywalker, and Han Solo returning. All these actors boldly demanded a seven-figure salary. However, their co-star Daisy Ridley who was the lead in the film was given a significantly low $100.000-200,000 for her role as Rey. The trio on the other hand each made a seven-figure.

8. Spider-Man: Homecoming

ROBERT DOWNEY JR. MADE MORE THAN TOM HOLLAND

Robert Downey makes another appearance on our list but from a different side this time. He made $10 million for his 10-minute role in Spider-Man: Homecoming. It’s not known to many but RDJ and Holland both made $500,000 for their debut MCU films.