The Highest-Paid Actors of 2025 So Far — From Streaming Icons to Superhero Giants
2025 has proven once again that Hollywood’s top talent can command jaw-dropping sums. As the entertainment industry rebounds from years of streaming wars and production slowdowns, studios are competing harder than ever to keep their biggest stars. From Netflix juggernauts like Stranger Things and The Last of Us to blockbuster reboots like Superman and Minecraft, the biggest names in film and television are walking away with millions — and redefining what star power means in the modern era.
Behind these massive paydays lies a mix of nostalgia, loyal fanbases, and billion-dollar franchises. For streaming platforms, locking in a beloved face for a final season or a long-awaited sequel is no longer a luxury — it’s survival. And for actors, it’s proof that loyalty to a role can pay off in record-setting ways.
Pedro Pascal — The Last of Us Season 2 ($4.2 Million)
Pedro Pascal continues his reign as television’s most dependable leading man. Fresh off the massive success of The Last of Us’ first season, Pascal reportedly secured a $4.2 million deal for the show’s upcoming second season. HBO knows his star power goes far beyond the infected wastelands — audiences connect with Pascal’s warmth and emotional depth. His portrayal of Joel transformed a video game antihero into a global television phenomenon.
Pascal’s ability to balance blockbuster projects (The Mandalorian, The Last of Us, and Gladiator II) has made him one of the most bankable stars of the decade. With his fan base stretching from gamers to prestige-TV enthusiasts, that $4 million price tag feels less like indulgence and more like a smart investment.
Winona Ryder — Stranger Things Season 5 ($9.5 Million)
Few actors have seen a comeback as triumphant as Winona Ryder’s. Once one of the most iconic faces of the 1990s, Ryder redefined her legacy through Stranger Things. As Joyce Byers, she became the emotional core of Netflix’s flagship show — a character that grounds the chaos of monsters and parallel dimensions with maternal instinct and heart.
For the fifth and final season, Ryder’s reported $9.5 million paycheck cements her as one of streaming’s most valued veterans. Her continued relevance in the cultural landscape is proof that authenticity never goes out of style. To millions of fans, she’s not just a mother in Hawkins — she’s a reminder that true talent endures.
David Harbour — Stranger Things Season 5 ($9.5 Million)
David Harbour’s rise from theater-trained character actor to global superstar is one of Hollywood’s most inspiring stories. His portrayal of Jim Hopper — the gruff but deeply compassionate sheriff of Hawkins — became a symbol of resilience. That emotional arc has paid off both on screen and off: Harbour is walking away from Stranger Things with an estimated $9.5 million salary.
In a landscape dominated by superheroes and CGI, Harbour stands out as an actor whose performances are fueled by vulnerability. His earnings mirror how much the industry now values emotional storytelling within genre shows.
Joe Keery — Stranger Things Season 5 ($6 Million)
Joe Keery’s Steve Harrington began as comic relief and ended up as a fan favorite — a testament to great writing and even better acting. His charisma, comedic timing, and heart have helped him transition from Netflix heartthrob to respected performer.
With $6 million for the final season, Keery’s success represents a new kind of Hollywood stardom — one built on relatability rather than mystique. His ability to grow with his character mirrors his real-world ascent as both an actor and a musician, showing that modern fame thrives on versatility.
The Kids — Stranger Things Season 5 ($7 Million Each)
The core Stranger Things cast — Finn Wolfhard, Millie Bobby Brown, Gaten Matarazzo, and Caleb McLaughlin — are each reportedly earning around $7 million for the show’s final run. It’s a staggering sum that reflects how their coming-of-age story captivated an entire generation.
These young actors began as unknowns, yet over the years became faces of the streaming era. From Comic-Con appearances to global brand deals, they’ve grown up under the spotlight — and their earnings in 2025 prove that loyalty and consistency can be as powerful as any Hollywood connection.
Jack Black — A Minecraft Movie ($3 Million)
Jack Black is no stranger to fan-favorite adaptations, and his role in A Minecraft Movie continues his streak of blending humor with heartfelt energy. Reportedly earning $3 million, Black brings an unmistakable spark to the highly anticipated live-action adaptation.
Known for his ability to connect with audiences across generations, Black’s involvement adds credibility and comedy to what could easily have been a risky concept. His paycheck is modest compared to others on this list, but few actors bring as much joy — and guaranteed audience engagement — as Jack Black does.
Jason Momoa — A Minecraft Movie ($12 Million)
Jason Momoa stands atop the 2025 earnings chart with an eye-popping $12 million for A Minecraft Movie. Already a household name from Aquaman and Game of Thrones, Momoa’s rugged charm and star power have turned him into one of Hollywood’s most bankable action heroes.
His involvement gives Minecraft the kind of credibility major studios crave when turning gaming franchises into box-office hits. Beyond the paycheck, Momoa’s appeal lies in his rare mix of charisma, approachability, and larger-than-life energy — qualities that make him worth every dollar.
Nicholas Hoult — Superman ($2 Million)
Nicholas Hoult has quietly built one of the most versatile careers in modern Hollywood. From indie dramas to superhero blockbusters, he’s proven time and again that he can disappear into any role. His upcoming appearance in Superman earns him around $2 million, a figure that balances his critical acclaim with his growing mainstream reach.
As the new face of Lex Luthor, Hoult’s performance is already one of the most anticipated of 2025. It’s not just about the money — it’s about reclaiming a classic villain with intelligence and complexity.
David Corenswet — Superman ($750,000)
Every superhero franchise needs a fresh face, and David Corenswet’s casting as Superman represents exactly that. Earning an estimated $750,000, Corenswet’s payday might seem modest compared to others, but for a rising star stepping into one of cinema’s most iconic roles, it’s a launchpad.
The young actor’s blend of old-school charm and sincerity channels the spirit of Christopher Reeve while bringing something undeniably modern. For DC Studios, it’s a bet on legacy — investing in a new generation of stars to carry the cape forward.
Jenna Ortega — Wednesday Season 2 ($2 Million)
Jenna Ortega has become one of Hollywood’s most powerful Gen-Z icons. Following her breakout as Wednesday Addams, she returns for Season 2 of Netflix’s gothic hit with a $2 million deal.
Her mix of deadpan wit and emotional subtlety turned Wednesday into a global phenomenon. Ortega’s growing list of projects — from Beetlejuice 2 to producing her own content — shows she’s not just a star but a creative force shaping the future of entertainment. Her paycheck reflects more than acting; it’s about influence.
Closing Thoughts
The entertainment industry in 2025 looks vastly different from even five years ago. The lines between film and television, streaming and theater, are almost gone — and the paychecks reflect that shift. What unites all these stars is not just fame, but consistency, connection, and evolution.
Whether it’s veterans like Winona Ryder proving longevity matters or newcomers like Jenna Ortega rewriting the rules of stardom, Hollywood’s biggest earners remind us that talent still pays — especially when it connects across generations, platforms, and screens.