14 DAY TRIAL // By simply agreeing to a cut to his paycheck in advance in exchange for a share of the profits generated in ticket sales, Leonardo DiCaprio has officially become one of the highest-paid actors in Hollywood, making $50 million for “Inception” alone.
These days, it’s not uncommon for movie studios to ask stars to agree to receive less money before they start shooting, in order to make sure they cover the money invested in the production and advertising.
Nolan’s latest film was no exception, with Leonardo having to agree to receive less than his customary $20 million paycheck, Forbes informs. In exchange, he was promised a share of the profits.
With “Inception” well on its way to box office glory and with estimates saying that the film will generate a $750 million revenue by the time it leaves theaters, it certainly looks that Leo made a smart decision.
If one also considers the fact that DVD and Blu-ray sales will also be factored in later down the road, it’s safe to say that Leo would be set for life even if he were to decide tomorrow that he no longer wanted to work a single day in his life.
“Leonardo DiCaprio stands to make at least $50 million from his latest hit Inception. And that’s only from the film’s box office earnings. With the extra revenue slated to come from DVD and television sales, he could end up earning much more,” Forbes points out.
The decision on part of the studio to have Leo accept the pay cut was prompted by the fact that no one was willing to take such a huge bet on “Inception,” a film based on an original idea that came from the director of the “Batman” films, who had little box office success except for them.
“Because the movie was so risky, DiCaprio agreed to take a pay cut to star in it, earning well under his normal $20 million. In return he and Nolan agreed to split a pot of now-rare first dollar gross points,” Forbes explains.
“That means he gets money coming directly off the top of ticket sales (once he has earned back his advance). Most deals these days are structured so that stars don’t start earning until the studio has earned back its production and advertising spend,” says the publication.
Again, if one is to consider that DiCaprio had another well-received movie out this year, the bleak drama “Shutter Island,” it becomes clear that he’s definitely this year’s best paid star. And the one whose work is most appreciated too.
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