Djimon Hounsou, a prolific actor with credits spanning Marvel, DC, Netflix, and countless other productions, recently revealed his ongoing financial struggles in Hollywood. Despite two Oscar nominations for Best Supporting Actor (In America and Blood Diamond) and a substantial body of blockbuster work, Hounsou told CNN he is significantly underpaid.
"I’m still struggling to make a living. I’ve been in this business making films for over two decades, with two Oscar nominations and many blockbuster films under my belt, yet I'm still struggling financially. I'm definitely underpaid," he stated.
This echoes sentiments expressed in a 2023 interview with The Guardian, where Hounsou lamented feeling "cheated...tremendously cheated, in terms of finances and in terms of the workload as well," comparing his financial situation to that of more financially successful colleagues with fewer accolades.
Hounsou, a Black actor from Benin, further suggested that racism and xenophobia have negatively impacted his career trajectory. He recounted instances where studio executives expressed surprise at his continued presence in Hollywood, implying a perception of him as a fleeting presence rather than a seasoned professional.
"When you hear things like that, you can see that some people’s vision of you, or what you represent, is very limiting. But it is what it is. It’s up to me to redeem that," he commented.
Hounsou's recent projects include A Quiet Place: Day One, the Rebel Moon duology (Netflix), Gran Turismo, The King's Man, Shazam: Fury of the Gods, Captain Marvel, Fast and Furious 7, and many more.
