Scarlett Johansson, one of Hollywood’s leading actresses, has made a significant breakthrough in the fight for equal pay.
She will earn a $15 million paycheck for the upcoming standalone film “Black Widow,” according to The Hollywood Reporter.
This sum is equivalent to what Chris Evans earned for “Captain America: Civil War” and Chris Hemsworth received for “Thor: Ragnarok.”
Johansson’s compensation marks a notable shift toward gender equality in the film industry. Multiple sources have confirmed Johansson’s salary, although Marvel Studios disputes these figures, stating, “We never publicly disclose salaries or deal terms.” Marvel has historically paid its stars conservatively for their first standalone films.
For example, Robert Downey Jr. earned just $500,000 for his debut in the first “Iron Man” movie in 2008.
Johansson made her Marvel debut in 2010 with “Iron Man 2,” she was paid a low seven-figure salary for her role in “The Avengers” in 2012.
Meanwhile, Robert Downey Jr. earned $50 million for the same film. This stark difference highlights the gender pay gap, a contentious topic in Hollywood and other industries.
In a 2017 interview with Marie Claire, Johansson acknowledged women’s struggle in Hollywood, saying, “It’s always an uphill battle and fight. My experience with my close female friends and family is that the struggle is real for everybody. Everyone has been discriminated against or harassed—sexism is real.”
She added, “Just because I’m the top-grossing actress of all time does not mean I’m the highest paid. I’ve had to fight for everything that I have. It’s such a fickle and political industry.”
Despite these challenges, Johansson has already appeared in six Marvel films as Black Widow. Outside of the Marvel Universe, she’s been celebrated for roles in movies like “The Horse Whisperer,” “Lost in Translation,” and “Girl with a Pearl Earring.”
The $15 million payday for “Black Widow” is a significant step towards addressing the gender pay gap in Hollywood, showing that women can and should receive equal compensation for their work.
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