A-lister Dethrones Scarlett Johansson as Highest-Grossing Actor of All Time
Zoe Saldaña Surpasses Scarlett Johansson to Become the Highest-Grossing Actor
In a stunning turn of events at the global box office, Zoe Saldaña has dethroned Scarlett Johansson as the highest-grossing actor of all time. This milestone was achieved following the release of the blockbuster film Avatar: Fire and Ash, which has grossed an impressive $1.23 billion worldwide. Saldaña’s extensive filmography, including her iconic roles in the Avatar series and Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), has propelled her to the top spot, marking a significant moment in Hollywood history.
Saldaña, 47, has been a prominent figure in major franchises for over two decades. Her portrayal of Neytiri in James Cameron’s Avatar films — including the original 2009 release, the 2022 sequel Avatar: The Way of Water, and the recent Fire and Ash — has captivated audiences worldwide. The Avatar franchise alone has been a massive contributor to her box office dominance, with each installment breaking records and drawing millions to theaters.
The Journey to the Top: Key Roles and Box Office Triumphs
Zoe Saldaña’s rise to the highest-grossing actor title is not solely due to the Avatar franchise. Her role as Gamora in Marvel’s Avengers: Infinity War (2018) and Avengers: Endgame (2019) — the latter being the second-highest-grossing film ever — significantly boosted her box office earnings. These films, beloved by fans and critics alike, have cemented her status as a leading figure in blockbuster cinema.
Additionally, Saldaña’s work in other major franchises, such as Star Trek (2009-2016) and Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003), which earned $654 million globally, has contributed to her impressive cumulative gross. Her ability to consistently choose projects that resonate with audiences worldwide has been a key factor in her unprecedented success.
Scarlett Johansson, 41, previously held the record thanks to her starring roles in the MCU, including Avengers: Endgame, Infinity War, and Age of Ultron. Johansson’s performances as Black Widow were pivotal in shaping the Marvel franchise’s success, and her role in Jurassic World Rebirth (2025), which grossed over $800 million, further solidified her box office legacy. However, Saldaña’s recent achievements have now eclipsed Johansson’s record.
Industry Impact and Future Prospects
Zoe Saldaña’s achievement is a testament to her talent, versatility, and the power of blockbuster franchises. In an Instagram video celebrating the milestone, Saldaña expressed deep gratitude to her fans, collaborators, and directors who have supported her journey. She emphasized that this accomplishment is a collective victory and expressed hope that the next record-breaker will be another woman, highlighting the growing influence of female actors in Hollywood.
Looking ahead, Saldaña is set to reprise her role as Neytiri in upcoming Avatar sequels, which promise to explore new worlds and narratives on the alien moon Pandora. James Cameron, the visionary director behind Avatar, has plans for multiple sequels, with scripts already mapped out through the fifth film and ideas for even more. This continued expansion of the franchise is expected to further boost Saldaña’s box office standings.
Meanwhile, Scarlett Johansson remains a formidable presence in the industry, with a dedicated fan base and a diverse portfolio of roles. The competition between these two powerhouse actresses reflects the dynamic nature of Hollywood and the evolving landscape of blockbuster cinema.
Conclusion
Zoe Saldaña’s rise to become the highest-grossing actor of all time marks a historic moment in the film industry, showcasing the impact of blockbuster franchises and the growing prominence of female leads. Her impressive body of work across Avatar, Marvel, and other major films has set a new benchmark for box office success. As Saldaña continues to headline upcoming projects, fans and industry insiders alike eagerly anticipate what’s next for this trailblazing actress.
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