Today we are discussing about top 5 highly-paid actors in 2021. These figures are based on confirmed salaries for single production roles, meaning that while Dwayne Johnson may have starred in several films this year, it only accounts for his highest-earning role.
Daniel Craig – USD$100 Million
Daniel Craig is the highest-paid actor for 2021 thanks to a lucrative deal with Netflix. The streaming service picked up Craig’s runaway hit Knives Out with two sequels set to premiere in the coming years. Craig’s USD$100 million pay-cheque can be credited to the projected back-end box office participation, but also a hefty contribution from the upcoming Bond film No Time to Die set to swell the final figure.
Film: Knives Out Sequels
Dwayne Johnson – USD$50 Million
Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson is a perennial A-lister in terms of the highest-paid actors, however, this year, he’s slipped to second spot. His USD$50 million salary is a projection, with the initial reports suggesting his Red One pay-cheque is closer to USD$30 before back-end box office participation.
Film: Red One
Will Smith – USD$40 Million
There is Oscar-buzz surrounding Will Smith’s new film King Richard, but that’s not the only boost for the actor. His role as Richard Williams, father of tennis greats Venus and Serena netted him a reported USD$40 million, good enough for third place in this year’s top-earning actors.
Film: King Richard
Denzel Washington – USD$40 Million
Denzel is perhaps the most consistent man in Hollywood and he’s got a bank account to match. The two-time Academy Award-winning actor, producer and director is continuing to bolster his bottom line with major roles. For the thriller The Little Things, Washington reportedly earned a cool USD$40 million.
Film: The Little Things
Leonardo DiCaprio – USD$30 Million
Leonardo DiCaprio is not short on cash and in 2021; the actor is back to his best. For the upcoming sci-fi thriller Don’t Look Up, DiCaprio and co-star Jennifer Lawrence are making some serious cash. The leading man managed to score a whopping USD$30 million, thanks to a combination of signing salary and back-end projections.
Film: Don’t Look Up
