14 Celebrities Who Accepted Roles Primarily for Financial Reasons
Introduction
It’s not uncommon for people to take jobs out of financial necessity, and celebrities are no exception. Here are 14 well-known figures who have openly shared that they took on roles or directing jobs simply for the paycheck.
1. Al Pacino
Al Pacino participated in Adam Sandler’s film Jack & Jill due to financial struggles. He admitted to living beyond his means and needing the money at that time.
2. Jacob Elordi
Despite his success in films like Frankenstein and Wuthering Heights, Jacob Elordi expressed in 2023 that he takes roles based on availability, stating, “I need a job.”
3. Taika Waititi
On the Smartless podcast, Taika Waititi revealed he directed two Thor movies out of financial necessity after having a second child, despite lacking interest in such projects.
4. Rachel Zegler
While promoting Shazam! Fury of the Gods, Rachel Zegler stated she joined the franchise because she needed work during the pandemic before West Side Story elevated her profile.
5. Hugh Grant
Hugh Grant expressed his dislike for working on Wonka, particularly due to the technology used. He accepted the role to support his large family financially.
6. Amanda Seyfried
Amanda Seyfried admitted to starring in romantic comedies for financial reasons, noting that Letters to Juliet helped her purchase a New York apartment.
7. Billy Bob Thornton
Billy Bob Thornton took a role in Armageddon for financial stability and visibility, as advised by his manager to balance independent films with mainstream projects.
8. Bella Thorne
Bella Thorne shared that she accepted a role in Shake It Up to support her family, who were struggling financially at the time.
9. Morgan Freeman
Morgan Freeman stated he joined Ted 2 because he enjoys earning a living, highlighting the financial motivation behind his decision.
10. Harrison Ford
When asked about returning as Han Solo in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Harrison Ford candidly mentioned that his motivation was the paycheck.
11. Glenn Close
Glenn Close took a role in Guardians of the Galaxy to fund smaller projects she was passionate about, viewing it as a practical decision.
12. Eddie Murphy
Eddie Murphy accepted a role in Best Defense for a substantial paycheck, noting the difficulty for a young actor to refuse such an offer.
13. Stephen Dillane
Stephen Dillane remarked that financial gain was the primary benefit of his involvement in Game of Thrones.
14. Jackie Chan
Jackie Chan admitted that while he usually has a purpose for his film choices, Rush Hour was an exception made purely for financial reasons.
