George Clooney is one of Hollywood’s highest-paid actors of all time, and almost every project he takes on always brings profit. But, did you know there is one movie that paid him a measly $3? It was a passion project that he wanted to bring to life.
The movie must have been quite important for the actor to sacrifice his paycheck in order to turn this project into reality. In fact, it also featured one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, Robert Downey Jr.
George Clooney Made Tremendous Sacrifices To Work On His Passion Project
George Clooney’s illustrious career has seen him take home hefty salaries, but when he worked on Good Night, and Good Luck (2005), he only received $3. The actor co-wrote and directed the movie and did everything he could to make sure the project will see the light of day.
The film is based on the 1950s hunts for communists that ended in a war between American journalist Edward Murrow and Senator Joseph McCarthy. Its box office earnings reached $54.6 million against a budget of $7.5 million. Clooney was paid $1 each for his work on writing, directing, and acting.
The project was special for the actor whose father worked as a journalist and television host. He wanted to get the film off the ground, and he took drastic measures. Aside from cutting his wage, he also mortgaged his house.
Clooney also managed to get investments from Mark Cuban and Jeffrey Skoll for the production of the movie. Initially, the actor was supposed to take home $120,000, but he deferred it back to the production company and instead took home $3.
The 62-year-old veteran star’s efforts and sacrifices were not wasted after Good Night, and Good Luck took home several awards, including six Academy Award nominations, four Golden Globe nominations, and six BAFTA nominations.
Clooney earned himself several nominations, including Best Director, Best Picture, and Best Original Screenplay. David Strathairn, who portrayed journalist Edward Murrow, received an Oscar nomination for Best Actor.
Upcoming TV Adaptation Of George Clooney’s Film In The Works
A television adaptation of Good Night, and Good Luck is currently being developed at AMC Studios. Emmy-winning Succession writer Jonathan Glatzer will serve as the showrunner, while Grant Heslov, who co-wrote the movie’s screenplay with Clooney, will direct the first episode.
Glatzer told IndieWire his plans for the upcoming series:
“As a massive fan of the movie, I didn’t want to copy it, or just do a facsimile of it. So, we’ve expanded the world to show how the division and hysteria of the times seeped into every aspect of daily life. I suppose it’s more of an origin story of where we are today.”
AMC Studios President Dan McDermott expressed his excitement for the project:
“We’re huge fans of Jonathan’s expert storytelling gifts, George and Grant’s producing prowess, Grant’s directing skills, and the vigorous talents of Mark, Todd, and Jeff, and we’re elated to work with all in this new endeavor.”
The upcoming six-episode series is in its early development stage and has not announced any release date yet.
Source: IndieWire
