Come forward, we never expected that people in the arts do everything solely for the sake of art. When someone waves a decent stack of money on the horizon, it’s possible to set aside certain principles, the pursuit of something lofty, and simply do your job well. And then receive payment.
Such an attitude toward work in the world of big cinema is so natural that some actors don’t even hide which side of certain projects attracted them the most. Namely – the paycheck. Let’s consider a few specific examples, and if you’ve watched these movies, recall whether it seemed to you that those being referred to didn’t quite give their performance their full strength.
Alec Guinness
Solely for the sake of money, he starred in the original “Star Wars” trilogy.
“Besides the money that is supposed to provide me with comfort for the year, I regret taking on the film. I like them, but it’s not acting work.”
Glenn Close
So the actress commented on her appearance in the film “Guardians of the Galaxy” (2014):
This summer, I starred in two independent films and had a real blast with fantastic actors. But in August, I’m going to be filming the sequel to Marvel comics and will become the head of the galaxy police…
I’m doing it because it will allow me to be in other films that I really like, and I hope I’ll have a great time.
Jackie Chan
He starred in the film “Rush Hour” (1998) solely for the money.
I have reasons to act in every film; I have something to say. Except for “Rush Hour.” There wasn’t a particular reason there; you just give me the money, and I’m on board. I don’t like “Rush Hour,” but ironically, it was very successful in the USA and Europe.
Harrison Ford
Even without his statements, it was evident to everyone that the actor starred in the film “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” (2015) solely for the money. But there is also a rather succinct statement. On Jimmy Fallon’s show, the host asked if Ford felt any emotions putting on Han Solo’s iconic outfit, and Harrison honestly replied:
“No, I just got paid.”
Ben Affleck
He honestly stated in an interview that the reason he starred in the film “Paycheck” (2003) is said in the very title of the movie.
Michael Caine
In his 1992 memoir, the British actor wrote that he starred in the film “Jaws: The Revenge” (1987) for the sake of money. He earned one and a half million dollars for a week’s work.
I’ve never watched this film, but apparently, it was awful. However, I have seen the house he built with the money, and it’s amazing.
It’s worth noting that Steven Spielberg had no involvement in this film, and the fourth installment (like the third) indeed received catastrophic reviews.
Gary Oldman
He honestly answered why we can see him in the 2014 remake of “RoboCop”:
“Why am I in this film? Money. I am at the mercy of what the industry does and what part of it comes through my door.”
Eddie Murphy
Eddie Murphy commented on his participation in the film “Best Defense” (1984) as follows:
“Paramount was determined to get me in the movie. Finally, they came back with an offer — a million dollars for about two weeks of work. Now, I want you to tell me which 22-year-old guy would turn down a million dollars for two weeks of work?”
Jeremy Irons
Jeremy Irons described his participation in the film “Dungeons & Dragons” (2000) with the following words, referring to the story of another actor from this selection:
“I had just bought a castle! I had to pay for it somehow. Like Alec Guinness in ‘Star Wars,’ I had to lend some seriousness to the project.”
Morgan Freeman
When the actor was asked what attracted him to the film “London Has Fallen” (2016), Freeman sang a line from the song “For the Love of Money,” which goes:
“Money, money, money”
