Zoe Saldaña crowned highest-grossing actor ever worldwide
Zoe Saldaña surpasses Scarlett Johansson as third Avatar’s success pushes her films’ total earnings beyond $15.46 billion worldwide.
Zoe Saldaña has officially become the highest-grossing actor of all time, a milestone that highlights her enduring appeal and the massive commercial impact of her film career. With the latest installment of James Cameron’s Avatar saga, Avatar: Fire and Ash, adding more than $1.2 billion to her total, Saldaña has surpassed Scarlett Johansson, whose previous record was bolstered by multiple Marvel hits. According to industry tracker The Numbers, the 47-year-old actress’s films have now collectively grossed over $15.46 billion worldwide—a staggering achievement that cements her status as a global box office powerhouse.
Saldaña’s rise to this historic milestone has been fueled not only by her work in the Avatar franchise but also by her iconic portrayal of Gamora in Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy and other Avengers films. Her role as the fierce, complex warrior Gamora has won acclaim from fans and critics alike, with her character becoming a cornerstone of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Beyond Marvel, Saldaña has delivered memorable performances in other major franchises, including the Star Trek reboot films and the original Pirates of the Caribbean movie, showcasing her versatility across sci-fi, fantasy, and action genres. These roles, combined with her continued success in Avatar, have contributed significantly to her cumulative box office total.
While Scarlett Johansson rose to the top of the box office charts last year following the success of Jurassic World Rebirth, which earned $869 million worldwide, Saldaña has now overtaken her, solidifying her place at the pinnacle of Hollywood earnings. Johansson, like Saldaña, benefited from multiple Marvel appearances, including her longstanding role as Black Widow, which contributed heavily to her previous record. The friendly competition between the two actresses underscores the growing influence of blockbuster franchises and cinematic universes in shaping modern box office records.
Avatar: Fire and Ash, though tracking slightly behind the earlier Avatar films at the box office, has nevertheless maintained its position as the domestic number one movie since its December release. The film continues to draw audiences with its spectacular visual effects, epic storytelling, and Saldaña’s commanding presence as Neytiri. Despite a slightly slower start compared to previous installments, the film’s continued success demonstrates the enduring draw of the franchise and Saldaña’s central role in its appeal.
Saldaña has also expanded her career into voice acting, lending her voice to Pixar’s summer adventure Elio. While Elio underperformed compared to her live-action blockbusters, it highlighted her willingness to explore different mediums and reach younger audiences, further broadening her influence in the film industry. Her versatility as an actor—ranging from intense action sequences to nuanced dramatic moments and voice performances—has played a key role in sustaining her career over two decades.
The actress’s accolades extend beyond box office earnings. Last year, she won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her performance in Netflix’s crime musical Emilia Pérez, showcasing her ability to transition seamlessly between commercial blockbusters and critically acclaimed dramatic roles. Currently, she is also working on the next season of the action-drama series Lioness, continuing her engagement with serialized storytelling and expanding her reach into streaming platforms, which have become an increasingly important component of contemporary entertainment.
Meanwhile, the Avatar franchise, helmed by James Cameron, shows no signs of slowing down. Cameron has confirmed plans for the next two films in the saga, though official announcements for parts four and five are still pending. His statement reflects both the logistical and creative challenges of producing such a sprawling cinematic universe, while also underscoring the franchise’s long-term potential to continue driving Saldaña’s box office dominance.
Industry analysts note that Saldaña’s achievement is especially remarkable when considering the sheer range of actors competing at the top of global box office charts. According to The Numbers, the next highest-grossing actors after Saldaña and Johansson are Samuel L. Jackson, Robert Downey Jr., and Chris Pratt—all of whom, like Saldaña, have starred in multiple Marvel projects. Their collective success emphasizes the unparalleled commercial reach of superhero and science-fiction franchises in shaping modern cinema.
Among actors who have not participated in Marvel films, Tom Cruise, Dwayne Johnson, and Tom Hanks hold the highest cumulative box office earnings, highlighting the importance of blockbuster franchises across diverse genres. For female actors outside the Marvel universe, the rankings are led by Emma Watson at number 16, Karen Gillan at 23, and Elizabeth Olsen at 25. Saldaña’s position at the top of this list illustrates both her box office consistency and her ability to transcend genre boundaries, from fantasy and action to drama and animated storytelling.
This milestone also reflects the growing recognition of women in leading roles within major film franchises. Historically, blockbuster earnings were dominated by male actors, often relegating women to supporting roles. Saldaña’s achievement demonstrates how female actors, through consistent performances in both ensemble and lead roles, can not only command critical acclaim but also drive significant commercial success. Her career serves as a model for aspiring actors seeking to balance artistic integrity with mainstream appeal.
As James Cameron continues to expand the Avatar universe and Marvel prepares for new phases of its cinematic saga, Zoe Saldaña’s influence on contemporary cinema shows no signs of waning. Her ability to connect with audiences, inhabit complex characters, and participate in culturally and financially significant projects has cemented her as one of the most successful and enduring actors in Hollywood history.
This achievement, surpassing Scarlett Johansson and surpassing $15.46 billion in global earnings, marks a defining moment in Saldaña’s career, reflecting both her talent and the evolving landscape of blockbuster filmmaking. With the continued success of Avatar and her ongoing roles in high-profile projects, Zoe Saldaña is poised to remain a central figure in global cinema for years to come, inspiring fans and fellow actors alike.
Her journey, from early roles in Star Trek to becoming the face of major cinematic universes, exemplifies the combination of skill, perseverance, and timing that defines true box office greatness. As audiences continue to flock to theaters, it is clear that Zoe Saldaña’s star is brighter than ever, and her record-breaking achievement is a milestone in the history of global entertainment.