Zoe Saldaña stands on the precipice of cinematic history, poised to surpass Scarlett Johansson as the highest-grossing actress of all time. The recent success ofAvatar: Fire and Ashhas propelled her into a league of her own, a testament to her consistent presence in blockbuster franchises.
Currently, Johansson leads with an astounding $15.4 billion worldwide box office revenue, accumulated through iconic roles inThe Avengers,Black Widow, and beyond. But Saldaña is breathing down her neck, having amassed an incredible $14.99 billion through her work inAvatarand the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
The shift in power is remarkable, as Saldaña has now eclipsed Samuel L. Jackson, a long-standing box office titan, whose films have collectively earned over $14.6 billion. This isn’t simply about starring in movies; it’s about consistently choosing projects that resonate with global audiences on a massive scale.
It’s important to note that these figures represent the total gross of the films themselves, not individual actor salaries or net worth. While actors like Arnold Schwarzenegger currently hold the title of wealthiest, these box office numbers highlight a different kind of influence – the power to draw audiences to the cinema.
Saldaña’s journey to this point has been fueled by her commitment to expansive, world-building franchises. From the groundbreakingAvatarto the epic scope of theAvengersfilms, and even ventures intoStar TrekandPirates of the Caribbean, she has consistently delivered captivating performances in massive hits.
Her initial foray into the world of Pandora with 2009’sAvatarwas a turning point, and the 2022 sequel,Avatar: The Way of Water, solidified her position as a cinematic force. These films currently rank as the number one and number three highest-grossing movies of all time, respectively.
And the story isn’t over. Two moreAvatarfilms are already planned, promising to extend Saldaña’s reign at the box office for years to come. She recently revealed she anticipates filming the final installment around the age of 53 or 54, a remarkable 26-year dedication to the franchise.
“It’s a gift to be able to revisit a character that has given me so much,” Saldaña shared, reflecting on the enduring magic of Neytiri and the world of Pandora. “To revisit a place that has been so magical – not just for me, but for so many people around the world.”
WithAvatar 4slated for release in 2029 andAvatar 5in 2031, the future looks bright for Saldaña. Her continued involvement in these ambitious projects all but guarantees she will soon claim the title of the highest-grossing actress of all time, cementing her legacy in cinematic history.
