The highly anticipated Aquaman sequel, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, is set to hit the big screens on December 22, 2023. With the release date approaching, fans are eagerly waiting to witness the underwater adventures of their favorite superhero, Aquaman, played by Jason Momoa. But amidst the excitement, the salary disparities among the cast members have sparked a conversation about fair pay in Hollywood.
According to reports, Jason Momoa, the lead actor of the film, is set to earn a whopping $15 million for his role, doubling his salary from the first film, Aquaman. This makes him one of the highest-paid actors in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU).
In contrast, Nicole Kidman, who plays Queen Atlanna, Aquaman’s mother, will reportedly receive a salary of $5 million. This is significantly lower than Momoa’s paycheck, despite her prominent role in the film.
The salary disparity is even more stark when compared to Amber Heard, who reprises her role as Mera, Aquaman’s love interest. Heard was reportedly paid $2 million for her role in the sequel, a mere fraction of Momoa’s earnings. This is despite the fact that she is a major character in the film and has a significant fan following.
The reason behind these salary disparities is not entirely clear, but it is speculated that Momoa’s higher paycheck is due to his box office pull and his increased star power since the first Aquaman film. Kidman’s salary is likely in line with her experience and status in Hollywood, while Heard’s lower paycheck could be attributed to the ongoing legal battle with her ex-husband, Johnny Depp.
The salary disparities among the cast of Aquaman 2 have sparked a debate about fair pay in Hollywood. Critics argue that actors should be paid based on their talent, experience, and contribution to the film, regardless of their gender or personal circumstances.
While the film industry has made some progress in recent years towards closing the gender pay gap, there is still a long way to go. The salary disparities in Aquaman 2 highlight the need for continued efforts to ensure that actors are paid fairly and equitably.
Here is a breakdown of the reported salaries for the main cast of Aquaman 2:
- Jason Momoa (Aquaman): $15 million
- Nicole Kidman (Queen Atlanna): $5 million
- Amber Heard (Mera): $2 million
- Yahya Abdul-Mateen II (Black Manta): $5 million
- Patrick Wilson (Orm Marius): $2 million
- Dolph Lundgren (King Nereus): $1 million
- Randall Park (Dr. Stephen Shin): $500,000
- Temuera Morrison (Tom Curry): $200,000
It is important to note that these are just reported salaries, and the actual amounts may vary. Additionally, the salaries may not reflect the actors’ total compensation, which may include bonuses, backend deals, and other perks.
Despite the salary disparities, Aquaman 2 is expected to be a major box office success. The first film was a critical and commercial hit, grossing over $1.1 billion worldwide. With its star-studded cast, stunning visuals, and action-packed story, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is poised to continue the success of its predecessor.