George Clooney recently opened up about the reported salaries for himself and his Wolves co-star Brad Pitt, addressing claims that they were paid over $35 million each for their roles in the upcoming movie.
Speaking at a press conference during the Venice Film Festival, the Academy Award-winning actor referenced “an interesting article” by The New York Times that had made the salary claim. Clooney was quick to set the record straight, stating, “Whatever her source was for our salary, it is millions and millions and millions of dollars less than what was reported.”
Clooney explained that he felt compelled to clarify the situation because of the potential negative impact such misinformation could have on the film industry. “And I am only saying that because I think it’s bad for our industry if that’s what people think is the standard bearer for salaries. I think that’s terrible, it’ll make it impossible to make films,” he emphasized, per People.
Clooney’s comments come in the wake of last year’s WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, which highlighted the issue of underpaid talent in the entertainment industry. Clooney had previously spoken out on the matter, expressing concern that “actors and writers in large numbers have lost their ability to make a living” in a statement last July.
“This is an inflection point in our industry,” Clooney had said at the time. “For our industry to survive, that has to change. For actors, that journey starts now.”
Clooney’s recent remarks underscore his ongoing commitment to addressing the financial realities of the film industry, especially at a time when the livelihood of many in the industry is under threat. By dispelling exaggerated reports about his and Pitt’s earnings, he aims to shed light on the broader challenges facing actors and filmmakers today.