I find those Focker films fun but forgettable. Does anyone think that Dustin Hoffman’s performance in the last film, Meet the Fockers, was pivotal? Robert De Niro, Ben Stiller, Blythe Danner and Teri Polo were in the first film, Meet the Parents, with Hoffman and Barbra Streisand added as Stiller’s character’s parents for the second. Streisand and Hoffman were excellent but I doubt that the third installment, Little Fockers , will fill less seats with either of them missing. Producer and star Robert De Niro believes that Hoffman’s character is necessary, though, and signed off on a whopping $7.5 million salary to ensure that his friend would reprise his role for the third film. That’s incredible.
Dustin Hoffman will earn a staggering $7.5 million to reprise his “Meet the Fockers” role – for just five days of work!
The 73-year-old Hollywood legend was ready to turn his back on the long-awaited sequel, “Little Fockers,” but co-star Robert De Niro – whose company Tribeca Films produced the movie – dug deep into his pockets to give Dustin, who plays Bernie Focker, a deal that will pay him an incredible $1.5 million a day.
Dustin was not included in the original filming because he demanded such a high fee, but after the movie wrapped, studio execs – and notably co-star Ben Stiller – weren’t happy that Dustin had been left out.
In late August, the source says, it was decided that having the superstar in the project was more important than saving a few million dollars, and Dustin was brought in to shoot for five days.
De Niro, who co-founded Tribeca in 1989, personally approved the massive payout.
“Even though he and Dustin have been friends for many years, it was not an easy decision,” added the source. “That’s a lot of money, and there were a lot of people who thought the movie was just fine without Dustin.”
[From The National Enquirer, print edition, October 11, 2010]
It’s a hell of a lot of money, but maybe they think Hoffman is worth it. The last film, Meet the Fockers, earned a whopping $517 million worldwide while the first movie in the series, Meet the Parents, took in $330 million. You can see why they would want to invest in the stars again for the third film, as outrageous as $7.5 million sounds for five days work. Barbra Streisand is coming back too, and she can’t have been cheap. Little Fockers is out in the US on December 22, right in time for Christmas, and it’s sure to earn bank at the box office.
I think he is worth it!! He is great. But that being said, I will wait til it comes out on DVD.
I don’t care how much Dustin makes. He is worth it. Certainly better than the ‘newer’ and mediocre pseudo actors. And it’s great to see Barbra in this franchise.
I will go see it. I <3 this franchise and Dustin Hoffman is my *number 2* all time fave actor! (Sorry, but nobody beats Tom Hanks, IMO!) And, like you said, the movie will most likely bank, so whats 7.5 mill between friends?
Also, I would like to sign up for a gig like this. Plzkthx?
Dustin Hoffman is truly one of the most talented actors in Hollywood. He takes roles that are ok and sees the promise in them, then turns it into magic. He was amazing as Captain Hook and Mr Magorium’s Wonder Emporium is still a favorite in our house. I think he’s delightful.
Dustin Hoffman is definately worth it! He is one of the last great charachter actors and the movie will most certainly be a hit. Thank God DeNiro is the boss!
I think its more like they had enough money to give everyone a payday 500mill is alot and there isn’t any special effects or CG is this. I bet Teri Polo got some ridiculous sum of money too and she isn’t anywhere near A-List.
I can’t wait to see Hoffman and Streisand together again. They are so cute. Babs is looking good.
It’s worth it. Those movies are genuinely funny.
I don’t even think he cares about the money. he couldn’t spend it in a life time. I don’t get it. but apparently he does.
He’s a good liberal, so hopefully he will donate much of it to a worthy cause.
His fee is his fee, they either want to pay it or they don’t. They obviously did in the end.
If the movie is based around the little fockers, would it not have seemed strange to not have both sets of grandparents? Even if Stiller’s parents’ characters are only in for a few scenes, I’d think there’d be a wee hole without them.
Hoffman’s great and 7.5m isn’t ridiculous in the overall scheme of things. He may have been a hardass about it but if you want him – pay the man what he’s worth.
last month forbes had a list of the top paid actors in hollywood.
Johnny Depp was top of the list with 75 million dollars per movie.
Ben Stiller was second with 52 million dollars.
So if he is making 7.5 for 5 days work,yeah he deserves it!
he’s dustin mothaf%ckin’ hoffman!
an O.G. veteran of hollyweird. i’m sure sally field, meryl streep, babs streisand, deniro & pacino make the same.
straight pimpin’! 🙂
The sequel was pretty horrible, save for Dustin’s character (Babs was fun). He was a sweet loving dad and added the only heart to the movie.
I liked the first movie, but thought the second one SUCKED.
That said, it made a freaking fortune, so I bet all the stars are getting hefty paydays to return, not just Dustin.
Hoffman and Deniro are such sellouts. Deniro especially has made some real crap lately.
I hated the first movie, but liked the second, mainly due to Hoffman and Streisand. So it’s worth it in my opinion.
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