Why the salaries of the cast of "It Ends with Us" are raising eyebrows among moviegoers
The recent success of "It Ends With Us" not only brought in $80 million at the box office but also highlighted significant pay discrepancies among its cast. Blake Lively earned $3 million, while Justin Baldoni, despite being both a director and lead actor, received just $320,000. Here's how much each cast member of "It Ends With Us" was paid:
Blake Lively – $3 million
Blake Lively earned an impressive $3 million for her role in "It Ends With Us," reflecting her significant involvement in the film's production and star power. Her dual role as an actor and producer highlights the value she brought to the project, making her hefty paycheck well-deserved.
Justin Baldoni – $320,000
Many moviegoers were surprised to see such a significant pay gap between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, especially since both are major names and contributed heavily to the film's production. Despite being the director and delivering a standout performance as Ryle, Baldoni's pay was nearly ten times less than Lively's. This discrepancy is puzzling, particularly given the drama surrounding the film’s cast.
Brandon Sklenar – $300,000
Brandon Sklenar's character Atlas had considerably less screen time than Justin Baldoni's character Ryle in “It Ends With Us,” yet their paychecks were nearly identical. Given that Brandon Sklenar is a relatively new actor without major film credits, his salary befuddled moviegoers in comparison to Justin Baldoni's.
Jenny Slate – $250,000
Jenny Slate reportedly earned $250,000 for her role as Allysa in "It Ends With Us," but many believe she deserved more. She delivered a hilarious and heartfelt performance, perfectly embodying Allysa from the original novel, and even elevating the character in the film. She also earned less than Brandon Sklenar, who many fans argued is a less prominent film and TV star than Jenny Slate.
Salary Transparency: Why It Matters
The disparity between cast members' paychecks underscores the importance of salary transparency. Knowing what your peers earn can provide crucial context during negotiations, helping to ensure that you’re compensated fairly for your work. Whether you’re in Hollywood or any other industry, understanding the market rate for your role is essential.