The Rock vs Emily Blunt Upsetting Salary Difference: Emily Blunt Earned $9,000,000 Less Than Half of The Rock’s Salary For ‘Jungle Cruise’
Emily Blunt, an A-list Hollywood star, is widely recognized as one of the most prominent and talented actors in the film industry. Her remarkable work and critical acclaim have captivated audiences worldwide. However, despite her established status and leading role in the 2021 film Jungle Cruise, she encountered a significant pay gap in comparison to her co-star.
Jungle Cruise, inspired by the iconic Disney theme park, tells the story of Frank and Lily Houghton as they navigate dangerous and supernatural obstacles in their quest to find a mystical tree in the Amazon rainforest. Emily Blunt portrays the character of Lily Houghton, while Dwayne Johnson takes on the role of Frank, the guide who assists Lily and her brother on their journey.
Reports prior to the film’s release revealed a substantial disparity in the paychecks of the lead stars. It was disclosed that Dwayne Johnson, already one of the highest-paid actors in the world, was set to receive over double the amount that Emily Blunt would be compensated for her work in Jungle Cruise. According to a 2018 report by TMZ, Johnson’s earnings were estimated to be $22 million, while Blunt was slated to receive $9 million.
Dwayne Johnson’s stature in the entertainment industry was evident at the time, as he was ranked as the second highest-paid actor in 2018 by Forbes, earning a staggering $124 million. In contrast, Emily Blunt had also received critical acclaim and numerous accolades throughout her career, with her performance in the musical fantasy Mary Poppins Returns positioning her as a frontrunner during the 2019 award season.
The issue of the gender pay gap has been a long-standing concern in Hollywood, and several actresses, including Jennifer Lawrence, Michelle Williams, Amy Schumer, Emma Stone, and many others, have spoken out about the disparity. Emily Blunt, recognizing the need for aggressive action to address the issue, emphasized the importance of fair pay during an interview with Vanity Fair.
Blunt expressed her determination to ensure she never feels “shortchanged” and advocated for an aggressive approach to combat such practices. She criticized the individuals responsible for negotiating deals, describing them as “billed to f*ck you up.” Blunt acknowledged that she had taken personal responsibility to ensure she never experienced a similar situation and emphasized the significance of reclaiming the phrase “making an aggressive deal” as a positive action. She noted the impact of stories highlighting pay discrepancies, creating a safer climate where actors feel empowered to demand what they deserve.