No, “Wonder Woman” headliner Gal Gadot didn’t make 46 times less than “Man of Steel” headliner Henry Cavill.
Here’s where things got confused: According to a recent Cosmopolitan article, Gadot earned $300,000 for “Wonder Woman,” while Henry Cavill made $14 million for “Man of Steel.” That would mean Gadot’s salary was an estimated 2 percent of what Cavill made for his 2013 film. Forbes reported in 2016 that Cavill’s paycheck was $14 million for his first film as Superman. But an individual with knowledge of the negotiations denied the $14 million figure to Vanity Fair, and TheWrap has independently confirmed it, too.
It’s been reported since 2014 that Gadot signed a three-picture deal with Warner Bros. The Israeli entertainment show “Good Evening with Gai Pines” reported that Gadot would earn $300,000 for each film — “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice,” “Wonder Woman” and the upcoming “Justice League.”
“Entry level actors in franchise films are paid an initial rate. As a franchise takes off, they stand to make more money,” an individual with knowledge of the negotiations told Vanity Fair. “If you do an apples to apples comparison, she was paid at least as much as he was.”
According to CBR, Chris Evans also earned $300,000 for his first major solo film, “Captain America: The First Avenger.” According to Movie Pilot, Chris Hemsworth earned $200,000 for the first “Thor” while Robert Downey Jr. only took $500,000 for 2008’s “Iron Man.” (Downey Jr. is now one of the highest-paid actors in the world.)
Also, the above-mentioned salaries don’t include bonuses. According to an individual with knowledge of the situation who spoke with Vanity Fair, Gadot will be paid accordingly over time — as the payment is tied to the success of the film.
“Wonder Woman” arrived in theaters on June 2 and has grossed $275 million domestically and $573.5 million globally so far. It also broke the record for the highest-grossing opening weekend for a movie directed by a woman (Patty Jenkins) when it grossed $103 million.
“Man of Steel” opened to $116 million and went on to earn $291 million domestically and $668 million worldwide.
Warner Bros. had no comment. Representatives for Gadot have not yet responded to TheWrap’s request for comment. Representatives for Cavill had no comment.