38. Sean Connery
Project: On Her Majesty’s Secret Service
Proposed Salary: $750,000+*
Outcome: He quit
The legendary actor who played James Bond, Sean Connery, is widely regarded as one of the most excellent Bonds to graced our screens. He had appeared in seven films, but when it came time for him to act in his fifth, he demanded a raise from his $750,000 annual wage. Surprisingly, despite his widespread popularity, the studio was not on board.
The role of Bond was eventually filled by another actor for On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. Still, the pairing didn’t quite work out, and Sean returned for the 1971 film Diamonds Are Forever. In any case, Connery’s return was primarily motivated by increased compensation and benefits offered to him by the new company.
38. Sean Connery
39. Will Smith
Project: Independence Day sequels
Proposed Salary: $50 million and a part for Jada*
Outcome: He was dropped
Will Smith is unquestionably one of Hollywood’s most valuable assets, but that doesn’t give him the right to demand and get large sums of money at the drop of a hat. Independence Day is one of his most remembered films, and the producers were eager to re-engage him for the sequels to the hit film.
However, Will’s asking price of $50 million for numbers 2 and 3 was far too high. Not only did he want the money, but he also wanted his wife, Jada Pinkett-Smith, to be involved in the process. The studio just couldn’t afford him, so they turned him down and moved on with their plans without him present.
39. Will Smith
