12 Roles Where Famous Actors Were Clearly Just in it for the Money

1. Eddie Murphy in "The Adventures of Pluto Nash" (2002)

With a shocking 5% on Rotten Tomatoes, this film is arguably one of Eddie Murphy's worst. Eddie plays Pluto Nash, a lunar nightclub owner on the moon (that's right, the moon) in 2087 who fights against the mafia that seeks to take over his establishment. It's as offbeat as it sounds. The film's budget was enormous, but sadly, not even Murphy's comedic chops could save it from being a box-office disaster. To say audiences were unimpressed is an understatement – the reaction was largely one of perplexity. The quirky plot, the awkward jokes, it seemed like Murphy was just there for the paycheck, and honestly, can you blame him?

2. Ben Kingsley in "BloodRayne" (2005)

When you think of Sir Ben Kingsley, you probably think of "Gandhi" or "Schindler's List," not a film based on a third-rate video game about a half-human, half-vampire woman. Kingsley plays Kagan, an evil vampire overlord in a role that can only be described as questionable. The film holds a measly 4% on Rotten Tomatoes and is widely considered one of the worst video game adaptations. Even the most die-hard Kingsley fans were left dumbfounded as to why such a respected actor would choose such a role. Behind-the-scenes rumors swirled about the film's chaotic production, but nothing confirmed. Whether it was the money, a strange interest in B-movie horror, or a dare that went too far, we may never know.

3. John Travolta in "Gotti" (2018)

John Travolta's portrayal of mob boss John Gotti was more wooden than the Louisville Slugger baseball bats favored by his character's cohorts. The film, which earned a rare 0% on Rotten Tomatoes, was universally panned, with audiences and critics alike lamenting the lack of depth and nuance in the storytelling. Behind the scenes, the film experienced numerous production woes, from multiple director changes to script rewrites. Yet Travolta, sporting some questionable prosthetics, trudged on, delivering a performance that was about as lively as a concrete slab. For an actor known for his charismatic roles in "Saturday Night Fever" and "Grease," one can't help but wonder if it was the paycheck that kept him tied to the project.

4. Nicolas Cage in "Left Behind" (2014)

There's a certain level of unpredictability with Nicolas Cage. One minute he's winning an Oscar for "Leaving Las Vegas," the next he's appearing in a film about the Biblical rapture. "Left Behind," based on the Christian novel series, was a disaster from the get-go. Cage plays Rayford Steele, a pilot who must keep his passengers calm after the rapture causes chaos. The film was torn apart by critics, holding a dismal 0% on Rotten Tomatoes. Cage's performance was equally perplexing. In the face of the Biblical apocalypse, his reaction seemed more akin to someone realizing they've run out of coffee. While Cage has appeared in some questionable films, this one leaves even the most devoted Cage fans baffled.

5. Bruce Willis in "Precious Cargo" (2016)

Bruce Willis's filmography is an illustrious one, but "Precious Cargo" isn't a shiny gem in his collection. Willis plays crime boss Eddie Pilosa in this forgettable action flick. With a paltry 0% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it's clear that neither critics nor audiences were sold. The film's plot, which revolved around a heist gone wrong, was criticized for being predictable and unoriginal. Despite being an accomplished actor, Willis's performance in the film was largely uninspired, suggesting that the allure of the paycheck was stronger than the script.

6. Robert De Niro in "Dirty Grandpa" (2016)

Now, I love Robert De Niro. Who doesn't? But even legends have their weak moments. This is where "Dirty Grandpa" enters the stage. This cringe-fest saw De Niro playing a lewd, recently widowed grandfather who tricks his grandson (Zac Efron ) into driving him to Florida for spring break. With an 10% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it's clear this film didn't exactly wow the audiences or critics. De Niro, usually known for his nuanced and powerful performances, seemed out of place in the raunchy comedy. It was as if Raging Bull decided to run in the Pamplona festival, and honestly, I don't blame him for potentially just wanting the paycheck.

7. Al Pacino in "Jack and Jill" (2011)

Imagine Al Pacino, Oscar-winning actor, playing himself, falling for Jill – who's actually Adam Sandler in drag. That's the premise of "Jack and Jill," which was universally panned, sitting on a 3% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Viewers were left bewildered, questioning what could've possibly compelled Pacino to take up such a role. Behind-the-scenes chatter hinted at a relaxed and fun atmosphere during filming, which might've been a factor. Still, given the end product, one might suspect that Pacino saw this more as a paid vacation than a serious acting job.

8. Michael Caine in "Jaws: The Revenge" (1987)

Michael Caine has a prestigious acting career, but even he couldn't save "Jaws: The Revenge," the fourth installment in the "Jaws" franchise, from sinking. The film, in which Caine plays airplane pilot Hoagie Newcombe, was universally panned, landing a 0% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. It's a ludicrous plot involving a revenge-seeking shark targeting the Brody family. Yes, you heard it right, a shark bearing a grudge.

Caine was famously quoted saying, "I have never seen the film, but by all accounts, it was terrible. However, I have seen the house that it built, and it is terrific."

9. Sean Connery in "The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen" (2003)

Sean Connery, an acclaimed actor known for playing James Bond, took a dive into the world of superheroes with "The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen." He portrayed Allan Quatermain, leading a band of literary figures with unique abilities. The film, however, received negative reviews, with a 17% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Audience reactions were mixed, with many feeling that the film did not live up to the promise of its premise. Connery's performance, while not terrible, didn't match the high standards he set in his earlier roles. The behind-the-scenes drama, including clashes with director Stephen Norrington, was reportedly so severe that Connery decided to retire from acting. It's safe to say, this wasn't a passion project for the iconic actor.

10. Jeremy Irons in "Dungeons and Dragons" (2000)

"Dungeons and Dragons," a film adaptation of the popular role-playing game, was filled with potential. However, the final product was anything but a critical success. Jeremy Irons plays the villainous Profion, delivering a performance that seemed more at home in a melodrama than a fantasy epic. The film was universally panned, scoring a dismal 9% on Rotten Tomatoes. It's a labyrinth of poor writing and overacting where Irons seems to be the Minotaur, charging through with bewildering enthusiasm.