The Mega-Earners of Hollywood (and What They Do to Deserve It)
Tom Cruise – $100 Million
Tom Cruise skyrocketed to the top of the 2022 paycheck pyramid, banking a cool $100 million for “Top Gun: Maverick.” Not his first rodeo with eight-figure paychecks, Tom secured a similar deal for “War of the Worlds” in 2005. So, what’s the magic formula?
First, Tom is box-office gold. His movies mint hundreds of millions globally, guaranteeing studios a return on their investment. Second, he doubles as a producer, snagging a slice of the profit pie. Lastly, his reputation for meticulousness (read: demanding!) makes him unique talent studios are willing to bend over backward for. While some might scoff, Tom’s earnings reflect his undeniable value to Hollywood.