Angelina Jolie Reported Pay for Maleficent
Angelina Jolie was reportedly paid a base salary of around $33 million for the first Maleficent film, with the total compensation package including backend participation rising closer to $35 million, according to industry estimates and reporting on major studio deals Forbes. For the sequel Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, her reported base pay was in the range of $35 million to $40 million, with additional bonuses tied to box office performance and global marketing commitments.
The contracts were structured as typical A-list star deals, combining upfront salary, first-dollar gross participation, and marketing commitments, with final totals depending on international box office and ancillary revenue streams.
Profit Participation and Backend Earnings
Beyond base salary, Jolie negotiated backend points that allow her to share in profits once the studio recoups its costs, a standard structure for top-billed stars in tentpole films Forbes. These backend deals typically include first-dollar gross participation, meaning a percentage of gross revenue is paid before deducting marketing and distribution expenses.
While exact backend figures are not publicly disclosed, industry analysts estimate that stars of franchise films can double or triple their initial pay when global box office and home entertainment revenue exceed expectations.
Maleficent Franchise Financial Overview
The first Maleficent film grossed over $758 million worldwide against a reported production budget of $180 million, making it a profitable venture for Walt Disney Studios and justifying the large upfront investment in Jolie's talent Box Office Mojo. The sequel Maleficent: Mistress of Evil earned around $491 million globally, with Disney continuing to leverage the franchise through home media, streaming, and merchandise revenue.
Studio and Distribution Details
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures distributed both films globally, with the movies produced under the Roth Films and Roth/Kirschenbaum Films banner, and released in theaters and later on Disney+ and other digital platforms.
Box Office and Revenue Streams
International markets, particularly China and the UK, contributed a significant share of box office revenue, with the films also earning substantial income from home video sales, streaming licensing, and consumer products tied to the Maleficent character.
Comparison to Other Disney Live-Action Remakes
Jolie's reported pay for Maleficent places her among the highest-compensated actors in Disney's live-action remake slate, comparable to earnings reported for other top-billed stars in major franchise tentpoles.
Key Takeaways on Maleficent Earnings
The combination of a large base salary, first-dollar gross participation, and backend profit points made Jolie's Maleficent deal one of the more lucrative star contracts in recent Disney live-action history.
