How Jack Nicholson Earned $164,000 Per Word For One Iconic Role
It seems like Jack Nicholson struck arguably the best deal in Hollywood.
When we talk about Hollywood legends, it's impossible not to mention the legendary Jack Nicholson. With his incredible talent and unforgettable performances, he has carved a special place in the world of cinema.
Alongside his acting heritage, Nicholson has also managed to score some jaw-dropping paychecks throughout his career.
In the late 1980s, Nicholson was already a respected and highly paid actor. But it was his role as the Joker in Tim Burton's Batman that earned him a fortune.
Nicholson's portrayal of the iconic Joker was nothing short of mesmerizing. He flawlessly blended deranged madness with an irresistible charm, leaving audiences in awe.
When talks about Nicholson's involvement in Batman started, he wasn't sure if he wanted to take on the role.
But the lure of playing such an iconic character and the incredible money-making potential of the film eventually swayed him. However, Nicholson had one condition: a cut of the profits.
Initially, Nicholson received a fixed salary of $6 million, but Nicholson also struck an unprecedented deal with Warner Bros.
He negotiated a percentage of the film's box office earnings, home video sales, TV rights, and even merchandise sales. In other words, he would cash in on the long-term success of the film.
And as a result, Nicholson's decision to go for a percentage deal in Batman turned out to be wise, to say the least. It wasn't just a smart move; it was a ridiculously lucrative one.
When the final numbers were tallied, Nicholson walked away with a reported $90 million. Given that the role was supporting, the amount that he earned is just mind-blowing.
In contrast, Michael Keaton, who portrayed Batman, received a comparatively modest payment of $6 million.
Now this will completely blow your mind. Given that Nicholson only spoke 585 words as the Joker, it resulted in an estimated amount of $164 000 per word.
Nicholson's groundbreaking deal for Batman sent shockwaves throughout the film industry. It opened up a whole new way for actors to secure their financial interests by tying their earnings to the film's success.