Zendaya’s Salary for Denis Vileneuve’s Sci-Fi Franchise Shames Keanu Reeves and Tom Cruise

Zendaya has come a long way from her Shake it Up days, as she has gone on to take on some interesting roles in a wide variety of films in different genres. From The Greatest Showman to Marvel’s Spider-Man franchise, the actress has numerous smash-hit roles under her belt and has established herself as the most in-demand actress. Needless to say, the Euphoria actress has cemented herself as an international name, followed by fame and numerous awards.

Zendaya in Dune: Part One

With Dune: Part Two already released, which already seems to be a massive hit, directed by Denis Villeneuve features Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya in the lead roles. However, Zendaya, who is featured for a mere 7 minutes in the first film, which had a runtime of 155 minutes charged an outrageous sum of money that would put Hollywood greats like Keanu Reeves and Tom Cruise into shame.

Zendaya Charges an Astronomical Fee for Being Featured for 7 Minutes in Dune: Part One

The much anticipated Dune: Part Two has been an epic sci-fi franchise, and it is already one of the biggest films of 2024, if not the biggest. The film serves as the sequel to the first film titled Dune: Part One which was released back in 2021 and was a massive hit with a box office collection of $434.8 million at the worldwide box office.

Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya in Dune: Part Two

One of the most talked about things in the first film was how Zendaya was featured in the action film for just 7 minutes. During an exclusive interview with Empire, the Zapped actress did mention “My part is very, very small in this movie,” and claimed that she was on the set for only “four days.” Interestingly, her salary for her minor role in the film was $300, 000, which is $42,857 per minute as per reports from InTouch Weekly looks more appealing for her minimum screen time.

Keanu Reeves as John Wick

The sum is jaw-dropping when compared with Hollywood heavyweights like Keanu Reeves’ salary in John Wick 4. As per Just Jared, the actor was paid $15 million, but it was intriguing because his character utters only 380 words throughout the film, meaning that each word earned him $39,473.68.

Tom Cruise in a still from the Mission Impossible franchise

The sum is more intriguing because as per studies from Casumo, it was shown that Hollywood’s action icon, Tom Cruise merely earns $7,091 per word he speaks in his films. However, when compared to the Frenemies actress’ salary for her feature in Dune: Part One showcases her valuation and charismatic presence in the present film industry.

The difference in pay is staggering as Reeves and Cruise are considered to be one of the greatest actors in the movie industry, and they have managed to become global icons over the years with their films and works in popular franchises like The Matrix, John Wick, Mission Impossible, and Top Gun.

Zendaya Shares Why Her Character Will Have a Dark Future With Timothée Chalamet in Dune: Part Two

Zendaya and Timothée Chalamet will be featured as the main cast of Dune: Part Two, where they will reprise their roles of Chani and Paul Atreides. While promoting the sequel, the actress talked to Digital Spy about her role in the sequel and how it holds a dark future that the fans would not like.

“But the woman that we meet here is very clear, very strong, very direct, and knows exactly who she is. And we get to know who she is along with Paul. I think, if anything, love is the last thing on her mind.”

A still from Dune: Part Two

Zendaya explains that their characters being romantically attached to each other would hamper their individual goals, while the film deviates a little from the source material, she doesn’t rule out its possibility but shares that there’ll be a complex relationship between the two.

“And how are these two characters going to reconcile with that? I don’t know how they get over it. I don’t know what their future holds. Without giving it away, it ain’t pretty.”

Zendaya’s above statement holds a lot of curiosity and excitement, and all their questions will be answered as the sequel is released.

Dune: Part Two can be watched in theatres near you.