The production of Ridley Scott’s All the Money in the World was far from being smooth, following the plethora of problems that arrived after Kevin Spacey’s exclusion, which led to several reshoots. Considering that led to the budget being skyrocketed, many actors were generous enough to not demand a fortune, but Mark Wahlberg would take home $1.5M for returning for the reshoots.
But Wahlberg’s costar Michelle Williams would come onboard for a mere $1000, as she just wanted to help the film be completed and this situation didn’t put Wahlberg into the best light at the time.
Mark Wahlberg donated his salary for the reshoots after witnessing the pay gap
Considering that the disparity in their salaries was so enormous, Mark Wahlberg would find himself in the hot waters, as the film put the spotlight on the issue of women being underpaid in the workspace. Although Michelle Williams was praised for speaking out on the topic and was praised, Wahlberg would find himself in an awkward situation. But the actor would eventually donate all of his salaries from the reshoots to Time’s Up Legal Defense Fund in Michelle Williams’ name and stated that he “100% support[s] the fight for fair pay”. He explained,
“It didn’t take much to make the decision to donate the money. It was just the right thing to do, you know? And Michelle is a fantastic actress. It’s not me who decides who gets paid what. Your value’s based on what the marketplace dictates, and with that particular situation, it was very awkward.”
Even though Williams might not have received a handsome paycheck like his Costar, the actress has no regrets over the situation and was glad that this movie shone some light on the issue.
Michelle Williams felt proud for speaking out on the topic
Reflecting on the situation, Michelle Williams explained that she was proud for speaking out on the situation, which eventually spark the debate surrounding the gender pay gap in the workspace. While appearing on The Graham Norton Show, the actress further shared her perspective on the matter and how things eventually worked out by stating,
“It wound up being an incredible teaching moment because the disparity was so enormous it really shone a light on women being underpaid in the workplace. When I look back on my life that will be the moment I am most proud of. I am very shy but found my voice to stand up and speak out.”
But despite the reshoots being successful and their film opening to decent reviews, the return wasn’t sufficient for the studios, as the movie earned $57 million at the box office from a budget of $50 million.
All the Money in the World is available to stream on Apple TV.
Source: NME
