‘Star Wars The Force Awakens’ Numbers are a Bit Insane
The box office numbers and salaries for “Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens” are insane!
It was expected to do well this weekend but it’s still a bit surprising to see the numbers for Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Domestically the film pulled in over $238 million with some estimating around $245 million. Either way, “Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens” now holds the top spot for opening weekend numbers.
In addition to the domestic (North American) numbers, “The Force Awakens” has also pulled in an astonishing amount globally. Launching at $517 million worldwide, the film seems to be right on track to hit that billion dollar mark and will most likely set the record for the highest grossing film of all time.
Image Credit: The Hollywood Reporter
Image Credit: The Hollywood Reporter
While the weekend numbers look great and this film is on track to be the highest grossing film of all time, these numbers could mean a bigger payday for some of the cast. The main cast members are significantly vested in the large scale gross of this film. Harrison Ford was paid $25 million upfront and Carrie Fisher received $1 million, but the two newcomers, Daisy Ridley and John Boyega, only received $450,000. Mark Hamil’s compensation has yet to be revealed.
Those numbers seem to be all over the place but many of these stars should receive a fair share of compensation once the film reaches that key billion dollar mark. According to The Guardian, Harrison Ford is set to receive 0.5% of the gross earnings of the film and Daisy Ridley and John Boyega will receive an undisclosed share of the earnings as well.
If the film remains on course with its earnings, this could make Harrison Ford the highest paid actor for 2015 with estimates of around $34 million being projected for him currently. This would be quite the leap from his initial said earnings of around $10,000 for his debut as Han Solo in 1977’s “Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope.” But while some may be surprised by Ford’s salary, Disney feels that it is justifiable.
“Harrison is the key to making this movie work,” a Disney source said. “He’s the link between the old generation and the new. Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher were good to get, but the film could have lived without them. You couldn’t make it without Harrison Ford.”
Ford’s salary may be even larger than the estimated $34 million if “The Force Awakens” can maintain its momentum. If we can learn anything from history then we may be able to find a more distinct correlation between the past top grossing films and “The Force Awakens.” “Avatar” holds the worldwide gross record of $2.7 billion but some are projecting “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” to beat this number. If that is the case then Harrison Ford could be looking at around $60 million for his role in the film.
One thing I can say is that if you’re a fan like me, then you’ll see this film multiple times. And my bet is that there are a lot of new and old fans out there that will make this film the top grossing film of all time.
What do you think? Will “The Force Awakens” take the top spot?
This was first reported by The Hollywood Reporter
