52. Ethan Hawke
Project: The Purge
Proposed Salary: “Friends and family discount”
Outcome: Agreed
The Purge is one of the most thought-provoking horror films of recent years, and it was made for next to nothing. Ethan Hawke, the film’s lead, contributed to the $3 million budget. Hawke provided a “friends and family” discount to director Jason Blum, allowing him to make the horror film on a shoestring budget.
Hawke was a major star at the time, and his films did well at the box office. Hawke took very little money up front, which meant that the money saved could be put on the film. Hawke made significantly more money than his first quote when the movie was a box office success.
52. Ethan Hawke
53. Jonah Hill
Project: The Wolf of Wall Street
Proposed Salary: $60,000*
Outcome: Agreed Jonah Hill startled everyone when he agreed to take a pay reduction to work on The Wolf of Wall Street. He only made $60,000 for the picture, compared to $10 million for Leonardo DiCaprio. Hill revealed his choice to take a massive wage reduction during an interview with shock jock Howard Stern, claiming that it was voluntary. He stated that the opportunity to work with director Martin Scorsese was too excellent to pass up. Hill stated that if he had to work for Scorsese, he would “sell [his] house” and “give [Scorsese] all [his] money.” Hill achieved his desire, though he didn’t appear to mind that his wallet was lighter as a result.
53. Jonah Hill
