SPOILERS for Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
I heard this rumor before I even saw Star Wars: The Force Awakens, but I didn’t really know what to make of it. Now that I’ve seen the film… I understand. I “get” it. Apparently, Harrison Ford agreed to do The Force Awakens because Disney agreed to cut him a monster check. He reportedly earned $10-20 million for The Force Awakens, at least 66-times the paychecks given to Daisy Ridley and John Boyega. To be fair, Harrison’s involvement was key, and he has the biggest part in the film of all the “original” cast members. Plus, I felt like Harrison was the actor least interested in coming back to the franchise, which meant he got to name his price. Here’s more from Variety:
With its global bow now at a record $529 million, “Star Wars’” box office success will undoubtedly afford its cast members heftier pay cuts on their next projects. But just how much money did “The Force Awakens” actors earn to join a galaxy far, far away? Sources tell Variety Harrison Ford came away the big winner on Disney and Lucasfilm’s sequel with a paycheck upwards of $10 million and as high as $20 million to reprise his role of Han Solo.
On Monday, the Daily Mail issued a report saying that Ford earned a staggering $25 million to return to the “Star Wars” franchise. A Disney insider tells Variety the story is completely false and way too high but other sources did confirm that the 73-year-old actor earned a substantially larger cut than his co-stars. Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher took home salaries in the low-seven-figure range, according to sources. Newcomers John Boyega and Daisy Ridley were paid in the low-six-figure range ($100k-$300k).
Adam Driver and Oscar Isaac, meanwhile, received offers of mid- to high-six figures. Because Driver and Isaac had fixed quotes from previous film and TV work, sources say their deals were negotiated higher compared to Boyega and Ridley, who, for the most part, had never appeared in a large-scale film before.
Insiders tell Variety that Disney made a decision in 2014 prior to casting the new roles to create a “legacy pay scale” intended for talent like Ford, Fisher and Hamill, who had previously been a part of the “Star Wars” universe, and general pay scale for actors that would be appearing for the first time. Hamill and Fisher’s salaries are expected to rise in upcoming installments as their parts grow with each film.
The salaries don’t include back-end bonuses from the pic’s box office haul that in a rare case doesn’t even kick in till the film crosses $1 billion worldwide, and following the success of “The Force Awakens,” deals are expected to be renegotiated before the next films get underway.
Yes, I bet Harrison got closer to $20 million PLUS a backend, which would mean he will likely be taking home much more than $25 million when all is said and done. SPOILER: Variety also says that basically the whole reason Harrison signed on to do The Force Awakens was because it would be a one-and-done thing for him. His monster paycheck is basically his going-away present. The size of his paycheck also goes a long way to explaining why Harrison has been uncharacteristically happy, pleasant and playful during the promotional tour – he was being paid to shill and have fun with it (one last time).
I am surprised by the other paychecks though – even though Boyega and Ridley weren’t household names when they were cast, it really does seem like the studio low-balled them to the extreme. But I believe they’ll probably be able to renegotiate for the sequels, so there’s that. And Mark Hamill got low seven-figures for THAT? And how much did Peter Mayhew/Chewbacca get?!
Photos courtesy of WENN.
Well, he deserves it.
Agreed. And he was a big part of the film! He’s Han Solo for f**k’s sake!!
That’s exactly what I said, “well he IS Han Solo”.
Yep. Not even mad about it.
This? This is nothing. A diversion from reality. Because what people should be really mad about is the average (U.S.) CEO makes 204 times the median worker salary. Get pissed about *that*.
F@*#ing A Nyer!!
Absolutely. Nothing but love for my favorite curmudgeon.
Yes, he did.
Agreed, every penny of it. I’m happy for him.
(And the others are all set for life too, even if they never made another film in this franchise, because they’ll get paid handsomely to turn up at conventions and ish for the rest of their lives. So no one should feel too sorry for them. They’re good.)
More so because they all agreed to receive a portion of the marketing profits when they signed onto the original film, in lieu of higher salaries. They’ve been raking it in from that for almost 40 years.
Exactly.
Some people would have don that for free.
Plus Harrison Ford is Han Solo. He could have asked for the moon and still get it.
Can you imagine if Ewan McGregor/Hobi Wan or Samuel L Jackson /Mance Windu decided to come back despite their deaths on screen?
BANANAS.
By the way I loved this film. Charlie Weasley from Harry Potter (The dictator dude from the Prime Order) was great as well as Kylo Ren. He was wasted in ‘Girls’ and his wig looks so nice and coiffed in Star Wars that it made me miss ‘Dinasty’.
Can’t wait for the other 2 films.
@TQ- did the Original Three get back in deals on merchandise w/the Original Three movies? I was under the impression that the back end deals for actors is still new-ish. Meaning, in 1977 I didn’t think actors were doing those kinds of deals because there really hadn’t been that type of movie before.
Agreed. The original 3 all signed for a pittance 30 years ago. Let them earn their cash now. And let’s face it – Han Solo is everything.
Exactly, Sarah. Fisher, Ford & Hamill were paid next to nothing for the original film. They’ve totally earned whatever they were paid for this latest installment. Good on them!
I’m sure 25 million with just break Disney. He deserves that much if not more. It’s the highest grossing film to date and it hasn’t even been out a week yet. Do you know what the mouse pays RDJ to pretend to put on the iron man suit…😳
Maybe I am just being fan girlish but I thought his performance this time was worthy of a supporting actor nomination.
Yep. No qualms about this whatsoever.
Yep. When the newcomers have equaled his career, then they can earn 66 times the pay of the others in their films.
It also shows the man can negotiate – good for him!
Yep, it was worth every penny to see him anchor the film.
Han Solo forever. That is all.
Han Solo was the only reason I agreed to see this film with my husband. Han Solo is Iconic, and witty. Harrison deserves every penny.
Where Han goes, I go.
Same with Indy.
Pay him.
Wow they extremely underpaid John and Daisy. Those two were fantastic and had the biggest roles (in terms of screen time/lines). I’d never heard of either of them and I’m a big fan now. Hope they get massive raises.
Nobody had ever heard of them, that’s why they received what they did. And they still made more for a few months work than most people make in a year.
^ this. They’ll get huge raises for the next ones.
I agree and I am sure they have no complaints. They will have been given a disgusting amount of money by the time this ride is over.
Unknowns tend to get paid less even thou they had more screen time. It doesn’t work like that. Daisy in particular as it was her very first lead role. They’ll get they big pay cheques later in their careers.
if we want to talk about underpaying people i dont think two basically no name actors getting a guaranteed world wide spotlight being paid hundreds of thousands are a good example.
not only is it a huge amout of money the movie would have been a huge success without them too, also wiothout Harrison but he certainly helped.
It’s the Marvel method. Unknowns are willing to be paid a lot less for the exposure and the opportunity to make more on future films. It makes good business sense from the studio’s point of view.
I bet they would have signed up for peanuts to be in SW 7, because of the opportunity. From unknown to household names pretty much overnight. And while they did amazing jobs in the movie, there are many many other talented unknowns that could have done the same if they got this opportunity. Surely Ridley and Boyega will soon be making money millions for the jobs they will be getting in the very near future.
All i’m getting out of this is that everyone im that cast got paid way more than they deserved for the quality of acting they did.
Yeah it would be awesome if it worked like that because if actors got paid based on their acting abilities then people like Steven Seagal and Adam Sandler wouldn’t still be making movies.
Seagal and Sandler would still make movies even if they only got paid according to skill. Scourges are hard to get rid of. They would just have to bankroll any movies themselves, since their acting capabilities rank below nonexistent.
Yeah, but one of them will always have a fan base – immature, but still a fan base, and the other…..well, he’ll always have kids that want to see his movies. Bwaaaahaahaaaaa!!!!
Ha – it’s not about the “quality” of acting- it’s about how much money the movie will make!
It’s about marketability, not acting talent.
I don’t get why he was paid so much; I know the character was well loved but NO for me. As for the others very seldom do actors make big money the first year in a franchise. They will make more money for the next films.
I haven’t seen SW yet.. will go next week when things are a bit settled.
He should have paid to be in the film. He hasnt done anything halfway interesting on film in years. To my generation, he is just that grouchy old codger who insists on wearing earings on both ears like some demented pirate.
So what, he will always be AList.
FFS, He is 71. He don’t need the money, he can be picky. He is pretty happy to just fly his plane or his chopper. And that even why he accept to be in the Expendable, Stallon told him he could fly the chopper…
That film would not have been made without him. He is HAN SOLO.
And Indiana Jones. And the best Jack Ryan. And so long.
Maybe he have not do much, but he is a massive A-List Star.
A list at retirement homes maybe. Whats he done in the last ten years that doesnt make you weep in shame? His sole appeal for oldies is nostalgic, no talent, no old man sex appeal just grouchy snarling. Star Wars comes in the age franchise action films and is helmed by God JJ Abrams, plus Lucas had nothing to do with it, it was always going to do well with my generation. Take your ugly grouchy mad pirate with you.
God JJ Abrams???
HAHAHAH.
You can keep your generation my dear, and take a chill pill.
“Chill pill”? Whats that daddio? I’ve seriously just looked up his filmography and the last decent thing he did was The Fugitive. So he hasnt even done anything meaningful in my lifetime. At least Carrie Fisher is fun and endearingly self deprecating. They should have given her a bigger part and ditched Harrison and his creepy pirate earings (which I bet he thinks make him look like a “cool cat” rofl)
Whoa I get that you’re just a kid and all but your hatred towards Harrison Ford is a bit…OTT. If your biggest issue with him is that he’s a septuagenarian who wears earrings then I think Ford is still winning here.
Dude is a legend whether you like it or not so please leave my old man alone.
“A list at retirement homes”? What a nasty, ageist comment. You’ll be old one day too, you know.
And “God JJ Abrams”? Are you having a laugh?
No my problem is that he is a grouchy, untalented, one-trick pony who still gets to ride at the crest because he is white and male. He doesnt even have any compensatory elder sexiness to fall back on. My reference to age was in response to the ridiculous claim that he is A list. Please, he hasnt sniffed the A in decades. Nostalgia clearly deludes because he hasnt done anything worth breathing (unless you count that master piece Cowboys v Aliens – I mean!) in decades.
Those of us who actually drive the box office (and yes, its a young people thing) dont care about him but thanks to institutionalised “white leading man” syndrome, Hollywood still folks out for him. Gross. I still watch Freeman, Deniro and Eastwood films, so its not merely his age. Its him, the insane entitlement, lack of range, unpleasant persona and those stooooopid earings. God, those earings. People bitch about Depps scarfs, give me Depp over this any day. I hope some Disney execs are getting an office side eye now that its clear he barely added to the box office tickets.
So who is your suggestion to play Hans Solo then? The Biebz?
ShinyGrenade: He’s 73. His birthday is 7-13-42.
@Red dislikes Steve Harvey as well. I think this young child has a problem with men of a certain sge. She makes it so personal.
But like I said Ford will always be AList. Sorry Red you have to just get over it.
@Kitten Red would probably prefer Cody Simpson to play Hans Solo .
Well, I named my body pillow Harrison, so there’s that.
But seriously, he was involved in many of the classics, i.e. Apocolypse Now, Witness, American Graffiti, Indian Jones franchise, Working Girl, Tom Clancy franchise, and much more. The man is in his 70’s and has a kid so he probably doesn’t want to do much work anymore and why should he? I still can’t believe he married Colista “the original duckface” Flockhart. He must really have a sense of humor we don’t see. Not because she has a great sense of humor, but b/c who can take that woman seriously?
@Mrs. Harrison Ford
I stand corrected. This 73 has still lot of spunk and charm. You all saw the but about Donald Trump?
Lainey had something good to say about Ford : “Ford is not a precious actor. He views acting as work, a job like any other, and he doesn’t distinguish between acting and, say, carpentry. He obviously loves both, and he approaches them both with a similar utilitarian attitude.
The younger generations of actors are all so f*cking precious about acting, when really, it is just a job. It’s not even the most important job on a movie set. Actors are like, fifth or sixth on the scale of importance. Ford seems to get this, saying, “My highest ambition is to be an assistant storyteller, to know what it is and my place in the story, to understand the mechanics of it, and to hit my mark.”
I doubt red speaks for her generation. As a high school teacher, I know lots of teens and twenties and few of them are so bratty.
Maybe that is the problem with your generation Red or just you. Educate yourself outside of the classroom. You will go far.
The film “Witness.” That is all. That is all there ever needs to be.
And then, there’s Indiana Jones too.
@Red….you would take Johnny Depp over Ford??? Ford has to be at LEAST twenty years older and he looks way better than Depp even now (and Depp was listed TODAY as the top overpaid actor in 2015). Ford has played many iconic characters….Han Solo, Indiana Jones, Witness, Air Force One, Blade Runner (sorry can’t remember all the names of his characters — but his Oscar nominated performance in Witness was amazing)….and I agree with the observation that he doesn’t think what he does is any more special than with other careers. You can see it in his interviews, and that makes him real, human and humble. But just because Ford is now in his seventies and obviously looks older, you cannot dismiss his work. Just like you cannot dismiss Robert DeNiro, Jack Nickolson, Marlon Brando. Some actors/actresses are classics and he is one of them. He made that movie. TFA would not be as much of a success if Han Solo had been absent.
“To your generation”… figures you’d only care about what someone is doing right now, and not see any value on one of film’s iconic characters. I wouldn’t brag about that.
And just as an FYI, the demographic that buys the most movie tickets are adults ages 25-39. Smack in the age bracket that grew up with Indiana Jones and Han Solo.
I’m not sure I would have bothered without him, the other two legacy stars were pretty irrelevant.
Wouldn’t have made the film without him?
Hahahahahaha! Yeah Disney paid $4 billion to not make new Star Wars. Even the wretched Prequels were huge financial hits!
The film was going to be made with or without any of the classic stars. It’s the Disney machine! They were writing before they knew Ford (or any of them) were in. All three classic stars were assured they wouldn’t recast but would just write them out.
Sorry, I meant that I probably wouldn’t have bothered going to see it without him; Han Solo was my first crush.
Nah, Mia4s. If Disney didn’t have those Original Three in movie just about every single person who has been looking forward to this ever since Lucas pissed on the movie with those prequels would have called foul. One way or another, they were going to be in it.
How can you say you don’t know why he got paid so much if you haven’t seen it yet???
Lisa2,
70% agree with you. The new actors were the best part of the film. The first 1/3 was so entertaining before the older actors came in to bog it down. Even a serious part by one of them was met with no reaction from the packed theater I was in (which to me was surprising).
However Harrison Ford’s presence did get a lot of original series fans to go see the film which helped the box-office. So though I may not personally care about him or his character I’m glad he took the money and is choosing to leave the franchise. See ya!
If you haven’t seen it then how can you comment on why he was paid that much?
Makes sense. Boyega and Ridley were nobodies and Ford’s one of the biggest movie stars ever.
Hamill was incredibly key to the story they wanted to tell and I imagine SPOILER
he gets even more going forward no matter the size of his role. Good for him.
END SPOILER
I will say that the newbies (and classics) should do well on backend, especially once it hits a billion. No tears for that bunch!
Seriously you could pay me like $12, a Gusher, and a gift card to books-a-million and I’d be in a star wars movie.
Exactly. And since I haven’t heard anybody complaining about getting/feeling cheated yet, I’d say that’s how most of the cast and crew felt.
Yup. Shiiiit I’ll be a storm trooper. Or an ewok. Lord knows I’m short enough.
I’ll be an ewok for free food, an Idris Elba picture & free Star wars merchandise.
Agreed. 100%. I’d pay for my transportation to and from filming locations, too.
I laughed out loud reading your offer, MonicaQ!
If it’s a red one, can I have your gusher?
Totally. I’ll use the $12 to buy 2 more boxes.
They still make Gushers?
Isn’t that what Daniel Craig took for his part?
Harrison Ford was one of the main reasons the film did so well and honestly, Disney/Abrams probably had to entice him to come back. He famously wanted Han Solo killed off in the original trilogy. He deserves it IMO. Hamill was barely in the movie and Fischer had very few scenes as well. Ford MADE that movie! I think I read Harrison Ford received $10,000 for the Star Wars A New Hope, so no surprise the new cast received substantially less, as they should. Especially with Daisy Ridley and John Boyega, those two were very much unknown. Glad they did so well in the movie. Can you imagine if they bombed a la Hayden Christianson? Just saying 😉
To be fair, they weren’t dealing with George Lucas’s awkward script. Nobody came out of the prequels looking good except Palpatine and maybe ObiWan.
This is very true. When you have actors like Liam Neeson, Samuel Jackson, Natalie Portman, Hayden Christensen etc. look THAT bad….that is a travesty!!
Harrison Ford hasn’t had a hit movie in about 20 years, I guess. I think he is grossly overpaid (like most male actors).
Carrie Fisher was embarrassingly bad in the film, but she still got paid a lot, so I would say she was grossly overpaid.
She was bad. Too much work on her face. It was distracting.
She did fine with the material she was given to work with.
I would say her acting was a rigid as her face and there was an opportunity there for some real emotion, which I am sure they would have taken if she were able to deliver.
Holmes, re the material she was given to work with – are we talking about the script or her face?
Re opportunity for real emotion – pretty hard to show emotion when your face is an immobile blob of plastine injections. And, I’m really upset that apparently in the future, duckface not only still exists, but as far as outerspace? This bothers me.
I hope Carrie’s mouth is fixed before the next movie so that when she talks it actually moves. Did anyone else notice a lot of her dialogue was recorded from BEHIND her head, looking at Harrison Ford
She was horrid!
Eh, Harrison Ford probably ‘did’ 90% of the films promotional work…and the film is his golden parachute. I was hoping he wouldn’t have problems reprising Han into the future, now that the character isn’t Lucas’ to screw up, but apparently not.
Hamil and Fischer both were needed to convince fans that this wasn’t the prequels.
Snarky, why didn’t you place a spoiler alert like someone else did above? Not everyone has seen the movie. Maybe you can edit it?
I don’t think it was a spoiler alert. The originals were episodes IV, V, and VI (4, 5, and 6) and the recent ones were I, II, and III (1, 2, & 3). This new one is episode VII (7), so it reminds the viewers that the cast from the original movies would be older now, rather than it being before their time. That’s generally common knowledge and has no bearing on spoiling the movie.
Boyega and Ridley were probably paid the scale minimum – not unusual for their stature. Being in Star Wars itself is a huge opportunity, if it doesn’t suck. But do you think they were paid the same amount?
They’ve just released the “value for money” vs. “overpaid” figures as well (ratio of salary to return); guess Ridley and Boyega will be on that list next year.
Hollywood is a pretty cheap. Artists should be paid what they’re worth rather than as little as possible. But hey I’m a dreamer
Hollywood is a pretty cheap. Artists should be paid what they’re worth rather than as little as possible. But hey I’m a dreamer
Exactly. Artists, technicians, and other crew members. We always focus on actors and them alone. What about all the others who don’t receive any recognition for their contribution to a successful project?
yeah, ’cause if we’re going there, the highest paid should have been whoever created Chewbaca’s costume. That is all.
Harrison is worth it, he did a great job playing Han in this movie and the other two are new to the business, I would assume they will probably get more in the sequels. I read that Mark Hamill got 1.5 million for his part in the movie which flabbergasts me.
I love that Hamill got paid that much! Get that Disney money!! They needed him desperately for the story they’re doing and it sounds like he negotiated smart!
Oh and I read that Hamill and his wife have been married for 37 years! In Hollywood I’m always stunned by anything over 15 years so good for them.
I’m assuming that he will have a bigger role in the sequels, I just wanted more of Luke. I imagine 1.5 million is like $50,00 to Disney, they probably made all of the salary money back with the merchandising.
Oh I agree I hope for much more Luke. I have a feeling we will get it given what I think most of us suspect the backstory to be here. ( I’m trying not to spoil)
I just love that Disney had to pay him that much for a few (admittedly wonderful) moments.
They always low ball. Chris Evans and Chris Hemsworth were paid 300k for the first Captain America and Thor movies. Jennifer Lawrence was paid 500k for the first Hunger Games. She was able to get 10 million for the second one. Plus John and Daisy both get bonus if the movie crosses a billion, which it will do any day now.
yeah, even Scarlett Johansson got only 400k straight up when she signed on for The Avengers, but made it up on backend/percentage of profits.
I agree with everyone that this is far from outrageous. Harrison Ford is a huge star and Han Solo plays a big role in this episode (and to me was the most iconic character of the original trilogy anyway). And honestly after the huge let down that Hayden Christensen was, I can see why the studios would put a bit more pressure on the newbies by not giving them a big check straight away. Anyway, their agents are probably renegotiating their contracts right now, so no need to cry for them. Not to mention all the opportunities that will open for both in the next years!
Don’t blame Hayden for that performance. Portman was just as bad. I don’t blame her performance either – rubbish script and having to act in front of a green screen the biggest problem there.
I believe HF’s Han Solo is one of the reasons the original film did so well and the reason it is so beloved in memory and the reason that 38 years later we have another Stars Wars smashing records. If anyone actually deserves that kind of money, he does. Ridley and Boyega were great and they’ll get theirs in the sequels.
Dude is Han Solo AND Indiana Jones. And President James Marshall. Total legend.
And Rick Deckard…
Yes! He’s definitely got some beautifully played, legendary characters on his resume.
Don’t forget Henry!
And his Oscar nominated performance in Witness!!
I loved both Henry and John Book. He did a beautiful job with both of those characters. I don’t think any actor is worth the kind of money they’re talking about with Star Wars and Harrison Ford, but whatever else you think of him, Han Solo is the character everyone really wants to see. If they had made this movie without Han Solo, people would have complained bitterly and you would never have heard the end of it.
An absolutely wonderful performance in a beautiful film. Which also brought us the film debut of Viggo Mortensen.
He’s Han Solo and the face of Star Wars since the very first one. Nuff said.
Exactly. Come on now.
Skipped to the bottom once i read “Spoilers”!
This is no shock and not offensive. Han Solo is without argument a top beloved Star Wars character. Considering the money this movie was projected to make it’s fair.
And considering the 2 young stars get to play leads in SW it’s MAJOR exposure and future employment. I have 0 issue with this.
Future films there should be a boost somewhere, but here? No.
Me too FLORC. I saw “spoilers” and freaked a little. I never saw any of the newer SW movies but I plan on seeing this one for sure.
SPOILERS
From what I’ve read about how they struggled with what to do with Luke’s role in the new movie, I am assuming Mark Hamill negotiated his deal before they decided to make Luke the Macguffin. Then again it’s Luke Skywalker and Mark keeps pretty busy with voice work, no?
END SPOILERS
As a Star Wars loon you’ll never be able to convince me the original cast isn’t worth every dime spent to get them. I’ve spent decades dreaming about actually seeing Leia, Luke, Han, Lando, etc on my screen again. It’s why I read so many EU novels even really sub par ones… So here’s hoping they bring Billy Dee back too at some point.
POSSIBLE SPOILERS:
They need Luke for the next two though. I assume he’s going to have a much bigger part in eps 8 & 9. And I think part of Mark Hamill’s payment was a bonus for keeping his mouth shut and not talking about how Luke would be involved in the story.
I’m hoping Lando has some relation to Finn.
Any word on why his hair is purple?
Right, that is my burning question as well.
@mayamae @Crumpet, I hadn’t noticed but I scrolled back up to look. Looks to me like there’s an overhead light that’s purple. You can see a little purple glow on the side of his face and his shoulders as well – and I’m presuming hair dye isn’t quite that luminescent!
The brief thought of purple hair did make me laugh, though.
😀
Well, they wanted him to come back and he was not to keen on it at first. I am sure that paycheck helped him get rid of any reservations he had.
Getting paid more than Boyega and Ridley, honestly, seems fair to me. They are (were) nobodies.
Getting paid more than Issac and Driver, who got paid more than Ridley and Boyega, also makes sense because it’s not like Issac or Driver are A list actors prior to SW.
I don’t think Harrison Ford is worth 25 million as Star Wars would have been a hit with or without him. Honestly he has done a lot of promo for this movie and actually seemed pleasant about it…but Boyega and Ridley did a lot of heavy lifting promo wise as well. But they wanted him and his agent supposedly came back to them with a high “they’ll never pay me this much” offer and surprise, they did.
I won’t be surprised if there is not some renegotiation of cast salaries for Episode 8 especially for Boyega and Ridley.
I imagine the pay deals will be similar for the trilogy. There maybe some room for negotiation but this is Disne their contracts r generally water tight.
The movie probably would have been a hit without him, because let’s face it, it’s Star Wars! It was always going to be a box office hit.
But I don’t think it would have been as good without him. I love the new characters, I think they’re all really interesting, but Han and Chewie made that movie what it was. Some people in my cinema cheered out loud the first time they appeared. It was like seeing old friends again. I hope Peter Mayhew got paid well. Chewie stole the show for me.
I bet he comes back for more. Ok – as egos in Hollywood goes, his isn’t the biggest, but they all have one. Spoilers ahead……. There is ton of room to investigate how baby Ben became Kylo Ren… flashbacks anyone?
SPOILER
The change occurred when in Luke’s care.
SPOILER
Totally disagree @LILACFLOWERS it seemed far more like the trouble was in full swing and he was sent to [that character] as a last resort. Why he went full bad guy during training? I guess we will see. My guess is [that character] didn’t want to or feared teaching him but did so out of loyalty and love for his family/friend. Makes it hurt so good!
No. That is why he was sent to Luke, to curb “the change”. Leah even says so.
Daisy and Boyega will have their day.
And this being his last movie–lets remember-that’s what Harrison wanted. That gave me a little comfort after the big scene.
I think this is the point: They likely won’t have their day. With so much stacked against them — for one thing Daisy is already being compared to Keira Knightley, and rightly so. How many actresses can you name who look radically different from other A-list actress? Not many. A handful? If you’re lucky. These actresses all look the same, and many of them don’t have talent or charisma that sets them apart.
Well she’ll at least have her day in episodes 8 and 9. J-Law made more in Catching Fire than she did in Hunger Games, right?
“Harrison Ford got paid 66 times more than costars Daisy Ridley & John Boyega.” Yes, because he’s HARRISON FORD. Enough said.
Exactly. And honestly, I bet Ridley and Boyega were fine with this as well. They will negotiate huge salaries now for the remaining trilogy and both seemed just genuinely thrilled to be a part of this.
Right, can you imagine being a young actor and having the opportunity to work with Harrison Ford?
When I first heard about another Star Wars movie being made, I thought “That’s nice…probably won’t see it”. Then I heard they brought back Han Solo, it became “I MUST see this, in the theater, the first weekend it opens”. It became an *event*.
A lot of actors are paid exorbitant wages for their “legendary” or “A-list” status. It’s ridiculous and not only is it unfair to their colleagues with whom they work on projects, it also whittles away at acting as an Art Form. These highly paid “status” actors don’t even do great work anymore. They just phone it in. And why not? With millions in wages they don’t have to work for their art. They only have to show up. It is repulsive.
I’m not sure how anyone could be surprised or outraged by this news. Really.
This is pretty standard stuff in Hollywood pay-Boyega and Ridley were unknowns (at least in the US. Let’s face it, no matter how good he was in Attack The Block, John Boyega wasn’t going to just be able to command millions), so they would be paid least. Isaac and Driver had higher visibility due to current/recent TV and movie projects and Ford, Hamill and Fisher are royalty in the most popular, legendary film series in movie history-OF COURSE they would command big salaries.
Whether or not someone SHOULD be paid $10-20 million for a movie is totally beside the point-it happens and will continue to happen and most actors in the same place are not going to say “Aww, gee-I don’t think I deserve that much”. Much ado about nothing.
Do I wish actor pay was more sensible? Obviously. It is ridiculous. I wish more actors did what Keanu Reeves did and gave back to the crew. But I’ve got to save my outrage for other things.
And Lupita Ny’ongo?
. . . is basically Yoda.
She was probably paid the same as Issac & Driver. I think this was her only post-Oscar role, yes?
If they tried to make this movie with another random 70-year-old as Han Solo, there is no way it would work and the old school fan base who are the ones going to see it multiple times would not embrace it.
Also, I’m sure that Alec Guinness and Peter Cushing got paid way more than Ford, Fisher, and Hamill back in the day. There’s a funny story about Debbie Reynolds complaining that her daughter had to fly coach to the studio in London for the first film. So anything the original 3 make now sounds fair to me.
Of course he does. And thats fine. I am sure Ridley and Boyega will be fine with that too.
It always blows my mind when people say that actors are underpaid when they make $100k plus a film. Some people work 5-6 days a week, 8+ hours a day and make a fraction of that in a year. I know you can’t compare but it leaves me so flabbergasted. They’re doing something they love so much, meanwhile some of us are doing desk jobs when we’d rather be off writing a book or something. Insane.
…….but would you be willing to jack in your job to write that book, knowing there is no safety net and hustle to ensure that book is a success all the while knowing that no matter how much you hustled, your success depended on the needs of a fickle public?
Also, what if that was a one off payment, meaning for the most part you *might* be paid that much, but often you are not. Unless you can land a big film. Which depends on a chain of command whose decisions are out of your control and who don’t necessarily look for talent as far as hiring you for the job is concerned?
Would you? Could you?
Why would you resent such a fickle life?
A solid job, however ardous, is more stable than the acting world.
No offense, but I hate this argument. It’s a classic slippery slop guilt trip used to shut down anyone who complains about their pay and their job. For example, I could complain about making 100k as opposed to the 120k my coworkers are making, but no, I should be grateful because despite the effort and the skill that I put into getting the job or getting qualified for the job, there is always some poorly paid fast food worker that’s making minimum wage.
Because he was willing to dye his hair purple?
I hope that the newbies are able to negotiate something much higher the next go round. To me, they made the movie. The legends were great in their small parts, but I found the film immensely more enjoyable when Ridley, Boyega, or Driver were on the screen. I know, I’m sinning at the idols. Also, can we just all agree that Poe Dameron is Oscar Isaac at his sexiest? The same goes for Domhnall Gleeson as Hux.
I would say that Oscar Isaac is sexiest in Inside Llewyn Davis, but this is a pretty close second.
I think it’s pretty clear OI will be a big part of VIII. Can hardly wait.
I don’t plan to see Star Wars, so won’t pass judgment but for me it was The two faces of January (and Mortensen is there too, so bonus) and A most violent year.
He deserves it. That movie would not be that successful without him.
Some jerk at work told me the ending of this movie the other day. I’m so ticked off.
The same thing happened to me. I told the person off big time!
Daisy Ridley and John Boyega might not be total newcomers, but being cast in Star Wars is a major career step forward for both of them, and I am sure they know it. They will both do very, very well going forward. I am not surprised at all that Disney paid them modestly and that they were perfectly happy to sign.
As for Harrison Ford, come on: he earned this pay day.
He’s a well known actor from the original trilogy who draws in audience, while they’re relative unknowns in the US.
So what? He’s frigging Harrison Ford.
If this has already been mentioned, I apologize. But I have to say that Harrison Ford is a very experienced, well seasoned actor. The others are not. It makes sense that he’d be compensated more than the newbies. Plus, he was there at the beginning and part of the reason Star Wars continues to be a big deal. It equates to difference in salary between, say, an associate at a law firm, and its managing partner. Besides, good for him for negotiating a good payday. I don’t see what the BFD is.
I must be one of a few who doesn’t find any fault with what Boyega & Ridely got paid (from one report I saw it was closer to $450,000). Look at the Marvel actors & it’s the same way. Hemsworth now gets paid more for Thor than what he did on the first. If one has no other acting credits to their name they don’t get the big pay check until the studio sees how the movie performed & how the audience received their performance. This is standard in Hollywood & it shouldn’t change. Just because you were cast in Star Wars does not mean you are entitled to the big pay check right off the bat. Earn it.
Unsurprising.
IIRC, Melissa Mathison, Harrison’s first wife, died this week. Not sure from what.
Second wife actually. First wife was college sweetheart from before acting career took off.
He got a .5% cut of the gross, that’s why. Also, he’s absolutely essential to the film/storyline. They could have written Carrie out but not Harry, who had just about the same amount of screen time as Daisy and John.
Of course he did. I have never heard of those other people. Like, my bosses also make 10+ times of my salary so what?
He’s pharking Harrison Ford.. Because of him, I want to see the movie. Even if he’s only in it for a brief time. They’re relatively unknown. I’m FINE with this. Now I would have a problem if Boyega made more than Ridley IF they had equal length roles, etc.
I’m shocked. Shocked, I tell you.
Of course he did he’s freaking Indiana Jones
Harrison is always worth it.
He was the draw for me, (I waited in line to see the original all those years ago), and for my 13 year old son.
This isn’t exactly shocking. He’s a well established actor that will get butts in seats. Daisy and John are newcomers.
Wow ! Look at that purple hair in the first photo !!
Of course he did – he’s a big name star of the bunch. And in fairness, he’s part of the lead cast, and if not, a very close secondary. I would hope Riddle and Boyega get a boost in both careers and finances from the series, though, because they both did great.
i made my career — one that let me retire at 56-doing compensation consulting. Here’s how compensation REALLY works. It’s all about Supply and Demand. Nothing else.
We used to laugh about the overused (and largely irrelevant ) terms of “fair and equitable” when it comes to pay. First of all there is no objective standard for F&E and besides — studies have shown that people think that which most benefits THEM is fair and equitable haha. As one of my former colleagues famously said (well famous in comp consulting circles) “fair is where you buy a corny dog and equity is what you have in your house.”
Supply and demand. There is one Harrison Ford and one Hans Solo. Supply of one, demands of that one = major bucks.
If I can offer one piece of career advise ladies…..know the market worth of your chosen profession, be candid about your personal contributions in that profession, and don’t accept less…….but don’t be stupid or naive about those two data points….or you’ll price yourself out of the market. Supply side will win out.
One Hans solo, One Harrison Ford. And yeah — he’s a forever dong for this retired 57 year old woman who ain’t in the retirement home yet.
Well, duh. He IS Han Solo, after all. And tbh, the meteoric rise Boyega’s and Ridley’s careers will have after making this movie should be enough payment.
What’s a Daisy Ridley and a John Boyega? At the least, they seem to be smarter than their faux-outraged advocates. I hope they appreciate the break they got and will be able to leverage it to the max.