Adam Sandler Is Hollywood's Highest-Paid Actor, Beating Margot Robbie, Tom Cruise, and Ryan Gosling

By Jace Dela Cruz

Mar 09, 2024 05:36 AM EST

Forbes has named Adam Sandler as Hollywood's highest-paid actor of 2023, beating other stars like Margot Robbie, Tom Cruise, and Ryan Gosling.

BERLIN, GERMANY - FEBRUARY 21: Adam Sandler poses at the "Spaceman" photocall during the 74th Berlinale International Film Festival Berlin at Grand Hyatt Hotel on February 21, 2024 in Berlin, Germany.
(Photo : Andreas Rentz/Getty Images))

Adam Sandler Is the Highest-Paid Actor of 2023

According to Forbes, Adam Sandler made $73 million last year after fees to his agents, manager, and lawyer. Margot Robbie, on the other hand, trailed behind with $59 million, despite her prominent role as the lead actor and producer of "Barbie," which grossed over $1 billion globally.

Tom Cruise, Ryan Gosling, Matt Damon, Jennifer Aniston, and Leonardo DiCaprio were also in the Forbes list of the top 10 highest-paid actors in 2023.

According to Business Insider, Sandler's success was primarily attributed to his collaboration with Netflix. He produced and starred in three Netflix films: "Murder Mystery 2," "You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah," and "Leo."

Sandler also embarked on a stand-up comedy tour, performing in 44 shows across the United States.

Netflix Deals With Adam Sandler

Adam Sandler's lucrative deal with Netflix started in 2014 when he signed a four-picture agreement worth $250 million. This partnership was renewed in 2017 and 2020.

Sandler has delivered a total of 10 movies for Netflix over the past decade, further solidifying his status as a major player in the streaming realm.

Netflix has also profited from this collaboration. "Murder Mystery 2" was the fifth most-watched movie on the platform in the first six months of 2023, accumulating 337.5 million hours of streaming.

However, Business Insider reported that while Sandler seems to dominate in upfront earnings, the long-term financial prospects for actors like Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling look good since Netflix often uses premium fees to buy out actors, making agreements that do not include a cut of the profits for the first two years after the movie is out.

In contrast, the outlet noted that the two actors would likely receive healthy residuals from "Barbie" for years as it has become a cultural sensation, overshadowing Sandler's upfront gains.

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