Zoe Saldaña is making headlines as she ascends to the second spot in the rankings of the highest-grossing actors of all time, surpassing Samuel L. Jackson. With her career box office total now at a staggering $14.8 billion, Saldaña is quickly closing in on the current top earner, Scarlett Johansson, who leads with approximately $15.3 billion.
Saldaña’s remarkable rise can be attributed significantly to the success of “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” the latest entry in James Cameron’s acclaimed franchise. While it may not replicate the overwhelming dominance of its predecessors, it is anticipated to remain among the highest-grossing films in recent years, potentially giving Saldaña the push needed to surpass Johansson’s record.
The financial gap between the two actresses stands at around $500 million, a figure “Avatar: Fire and Ash” is expected to exceed during its run in theaters, suggesting that Saldaña is on the brink of achieving a historic milestone.
Her journey in box office history began with her portrayal of Neytiri in the original “Avatar,” released in 2009, which became the highest-grossing film of all time, earning nearly $2.9 billion globally. Saldaña reprised this iconic role in subsequent sequels, including “Avatar: The Way of Water” and now in “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” making her the only actress to feature in multiple films that each grossed over $2 billion, solidifying her unique place in blockbuster history.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe has also been instrumental in bolstering Saldaña’s earnings, particularly through her recurring role as Gamora in the “Guardians of the Galaxy” trilogy and the pivotal “Avengers” movies. Combined, these ventures have grossed close to $5 billion worldwide, further establishing her as a top-tier box office star.
However, despite her commercial success, Saldaña has expressed challenges related to artistic fulfillment while working predominantly in franchises, stating she often feels “artistically stuck” due to the repetitive nature of her blockbuster roles.
While she stands on the brink of becoming the highest-grossing actor in Hollywood history, her reign could be temporary. With Robert Downey Jr. set to star in “Avengers: Doomsday,” scheduled for release in December 2026, there is a possibility that he could reclaim the title as he currently ranks fourth with around $14.3 billion in earnings.
As the narrative of box office history continues to evolve, it’s a reminder that the landscape of Hollywood is ever-changing, with new stars rising and established talents continually challenging the status quo, promising an exciting future in cinema.