British actor Daniel Craig has officially become the highest-paid actor in the world, following a massive deal with Netflix that will see him return as detective Benoit Blanc in two sequels to the hit film ‘Knives Out’.
The deal, reportedly worth $100 million, places Craig well ahead of other Hollywood heavyweights in terms of recent earnings. The original Knives Out was both a critical and commercial success, and Netflix secured the rights to its sequels in a major push to expand its original film offerings.
Craig on Wealth and Legacy
Craig, best known for his iconic role as James Bond, also made headlines recently for his views on inheritance. In a candid interview, the actor described the idea of leaving his fortune to his children as “distasteful,” stating his intention to donate much of his wealth rather than pass it down.
Craig has two daughters—one with his wife, actress Rachel Weisz, and another from a previous relationship with Fiona Loudon. His net worth is currently estimated at around €138 million.
Who Else Made the Top Earners List?
Following Craig on the list of top-earning actors are:
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Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, who earned $30 million for Red One, with potential earnings rising to $50 million.
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Will Smith and Denzel Washington, who both brought in $40 million for their roles in King Richard and The Little Things respectively.
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Leonardo DiCaprio, who earned $30 million for Don’t Look Up, another Netflix production.
Daniel Craig’s landmark deal not only cements his status as a top actor in the industry but also highlights Netflix’s ongoing investment in star-powered content.