The salaries for the main cast of James Gunn’s Superman movie have been revealed, showing a significant pay gap between the actors. Nicholas Hoult, who plays the villain Lex Luthor, is the highest-paid star with a $2 million paycheck. Meanwhile, David Corenswet (Superman) and Rachel Brosnahan (Lois Lane) each earned $750,000 for their roles.
This difference in pay reflects Hollywood’s trend of valuing established stars over newcomers, even when the newcomers play lead roles. All three actors are eligible for box office bonuses if the film performs well, which is likely given its strong early reviews and ticket sales.
Why Nicholas Hoult Got Paid More Than Superman Himself
Nicholas Hoult has been a familiar face in major films for over two decades. His roles in X-Men, Mad Max: Fury Road, and The Menu have made him a bankable star. Studios often pay more for actors with proven box office appeal, even if they play supporting characters.
“Nicholas Hoult, who got $2 million to play Lex Luthor, is the highest paid in the Superman cast, per three sources. Makes sense; he’s an established name in film.”
In contrast, David Corenswet is relatively new to blockbuster films. Though he has appeared in Pearl and Twisters, Superman is his first major leading role. Similarly, Rachel Brosnahan is best known for TV work like The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, which doesn’t always translate to high movie paychecks.
How Superman Salaries Compare to Other Superhero Films
The pay structure for Superman follows a pattern seen in other superhero franchises. When Robert Downey Jr. first played Iron Man, he was paid $500,000, while co-star Terrence Howard earned $4.5 million. Similarly, Chris Hemsworth made just $150,000 for the first Thor movie.
For DC films, Henry Cavill was paid $300,000 for Man of Steel in 2013. Gal Gadot also earned a modest sum for her first Wonder Woman film. However, established stars like Ben Affleck commanded $10–20 million for his debut as Batman.
“Standard on a first outing. RDJ got 500k for Iron Man, Jeff Bridges got 4-7 million.”
The lower salaries for Corenswet and Brosnahan suggest Warner Bros. is betting on their long-term potential rather than paying big upfront. If the film succeeds, their earnings for sequels could multiply.
Box Office Success Could Lead to Bigger Paydays
Early signs suggest Superman is on track to be a hit. The film earned $22.5 million in preview screenings, outpacing Barbie and The Batman. Critics have praised Corenswet’s performance, calling him a perfect fit for the role.
“It’s a shrewdly balanced film, a mix of flippant merriment and real dramatic stakes. Gunn would have a much harder time selling his new approach had he not cast smartly. Fortunately, he’s found an appealing Kal-El/Clark in TV actor David Corenswet.”
With strong box office projections, the cast’s bonuses could significantly increase their earnings. James Gunn has already hinted at sequels, meaning Corenswet, Brosnahan, and Hoult could see their salaries rise in future DC Universe films.
Fan Reactions to the Pay Gap
Some fans were surprised that Superman himself isn’t the highest-paid actor in his own movie. Social media reactions have been mixed, with many pointing out that Hollywood often pays based on star power rather than screen time.
“Well No wonder why Lex Luthor is a billionaire”
“I mean NICHOLAS HOULT has been working since he was a kid…”
“They’ll all get a lot more for the sequel.”
Others noted that Corenswet’s paycheck is still higher than what many past superhero actors earned in their first films. If Superman becomes a franchise, his salary will likely grow just as Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Hemsworth’s did over time.
The Future for Superman’s Cast
David Corenswet is signed for multiple DC Universe appearances, meaning his earnings could skyrocket if the franchise succeeds. Rachel Brosnahan may also see higher paychecks if Lois Lane remains a key character in future films.
For now, the pay gap reflects Hollywood’s usual salary structures—where experience and star power often outweigh lead role status. But with Superman already breaking records, all three actors could soon see much bigger paydays.
Also read: Superman Ending and Post-Credit Scenes Explained: What Happens to Lex Luthor and Supergirl?
Credits: Compiled from reports by Puck News, Dexerto, Screen Rant, and The Direct.
