8 Highest-Paid DC Actors and What They Earned Per Film

Superhero movies have become Hollywood’s biggest moneymakers, and the actors who bring these iconic characters to life are earning massive paychecks. Behind the capes and masks are real people who negotiate serious salaries for their blockbuster performances. Here’s a look at which DC actors walked away with the biggest paychecks and what made them worth every penny.

1. Dwayne Johnson – Black Adam

When Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson finally got his DC superhero movie, he made sure the paycheck matched his star power. He earned approximately $22.5 million for Black Adam in 2022, making him the highest-paid actor in DC history.

His massive salary came from both his acting fee and his role as a producer on the film. Johnson spent over a decade trying to bring Black Adam to the big screen, and his dedication paid off financially.

Though the movie didn’t crush box-office expectations like Warner Bros. hoped, Johnson’s payday remained secure. His global fanbase and social media influence made him worth the investment, even if the film’s performance was mixed.

2. Will Smith – Suicide Squad

Will Smith brought serious star power to the villain team-up movie Suicide Squad in 2016, and his paycheck reflected that status. He reportedly earned around $20 million to play Deadshot, the expert marksman with a troubled past.

Smith’s A-list reputation and decades of box-office hits made him one of the most bankable actors in Hollywood. His presence in the film helped attract audiences who might not have been familiar with the comic book characters.

Despite mixed reviews for the movie itself, Smith’s performance was widely praised. His ability to balance action with emotional depth justified his massive salary and made Deadshot a fan favorite.

3. Joaquin Phoenix – Joker

Joaquin Phoenix transformed into one of cinema’s most haunting villains with his portrayal of Arthur Fleck in Joker. For the 2019 film, he initially received about $4.5 million, which seems modest compared to other superhero movie salaries.

However, his Oscar-winning performance changed everything. Phoenix’s raw, disturbing take on the Clown Prince of Crime became a cultural phenomenon, earning over $1 billion worldwide.

For the sequel, his negotiating power skyrocketed to approximately $20 million. His willingness to fully commit to the character’s psychological darkness made him irreplaceable. Few actors could deliver the intensity Phoenix brought to Gotham’s most infamous villain.

4. Margot Robbie – Birds of Prey

Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn became an instant icon after Suicide Squad, and she capitalized on that popularity with Birds of Prey in 2020. She earned between $9-10 million for reprising her role as the unpredictable antiheroine.

Beyond acting, Robbie also served as a producer on the film, giving her creative control and boosting her overall earnings. She helped shape the movie’s unique tone and assembled an all-female team of heroes.

Her commitment to the character went beyond just reading lines. Robbie performed many of her own stunts and brought genuine energy to Harley’s chaotic personality, making her one of DC’s most valuable assets.

5. Jared Leto – Suicide Squad

Jared Leto’s version of the Joker sparked endless debates among DC fans, but his paycheck was undeniably impressive. He took home roughly $7 million for Suicide Squad in 2016, despite appearing on screen for only about 10 minutes total.

Leto’s method acting approach became legendary during production. He sent bizarre gifts to his castmates and stayed in character between takes, creating an unsettling atmosphere on set.

While his portrayal divided audiences, his salary placed him among DC’s highest earners. The combination of his Oscar-winning reputation and the Joker’s iconic status made him a valuable, if controversial, addition to the franchise.

6. Jason Momoa – Aquaman

Before Jason Momoa dove into the role, Aquaman was often considered a joke among superhero fans. He changed that perception completely and earned about $3 million for his debut solo film in 2018.

While $3 million might seem modest compared to others on this list, it was just the beginning. The movie’s incredible success—earning over $1 billion worldwide—dramatically increased his value for future DC projects.

Momoa’s natural charisma and physical presence made the underwater hero cool for the first time in decades. His renegotiated contracts for sequels likely brought him significantly higher paychecks, rewarding him for turning a B-list character into a box-office sensation.

7. Ben Affleck – Batman/Justice League

Ben Affleck’s time as Batman remains somewhat mysterious when it comes to exact salary figures. Industry experts estimate he earned well into the multi-million dollar range for each appearance, especially for Justice League in 2017.

Affleck brought an older, weathered version of Bruce Wayne to life across multiple DC films. His portrayal showed a Batman who had been fighting crime for decades and carried the weight of his past failures.

Though exact numbers remain undisclosed, his established directing career and star power guaranteed premium compensation. Affleck’s Batman may have been controversial, but Warner Bros. paid him like the Hollywood heavyweight he is.

8. Gal Gadot – Wonder Woman

Gal Gadot’s journey from unknown actress to international superstar is remarkable, especially considering her initial paycheck. She received just $300,000 for Wonder Woman in 2017, a surprisingly low amount for such a major role.

However, her base salary tells only part of the story. Backend deals, bonuses tied to the film’s success, and renegotiations for sequels dramatically increased her earnings as Wonder Woman became a cultural phenomenon.

Gadot’s portrayal redefined female superheroes and proved that women-led action films could dominate the box office. Her later contracts reflected her newfound status as one of DC’s most important and beloved characters, earning her millions more.