Pay disputes are the most contentious of all the conflicts in Hollywood. In this article, we’ll be looking at performers who have left films and TV shows due to wage disagreements. Here is a list of 6 times when seasoned actors quit movies because of the salary:
1. Will Smith
The transformation of Will Smith from sitcom celebrity to action star occurred in just a few years during the 1990s. Smith was also supposed to star alongside another superstar, Nicolas Cage, in Brian De Palma’s conspiracy thriller “Snake Eyes” in 1997. Before Smith was cast, Al Pacino was considered for the role of Cage’s best buddy, Commander Kevin Dunne. Smith left due to salary disputes, and Gary Sinise was cast in his place. “Snake Eyes” did well enough at the box office, but garnered a lukewarm reception from critics and audiences.
2. Benicio Del Toro
Commander John Harrison is revealed to be Khan, one of the most prominent villains in “Star Trek” history, halfway through “Star Trek Into Darkness.” While Benedict Cumberbatch is an excellent choice for the this part, another actor was considered first. Oscar winner Benicio Del Toro was in talks with Director J. J. Abrams, as he wanted to find a Latino actor to take up Ricardo Montalban’s role. Del Toro, though, turned it down due to salary disputes, according to reports.
3. Maggie Roswell
Maggie Roswell is the voice of many iconic characters on “The Simpsons,” including Maude Flanders, Helen Lovejoy, and Luann Van Houten. Her somewhat naturalistic style was said to help lend some feeling of relatability to Springfield’s crazy universe. Fox, on the other hand, didn’t seem to think she was necessary. When Roswell moved to Denver, she travelled to Los Angeles on a regular basis to record her lines, paying for her own transportation. She requested a raise, but the network only gave her a $150 raise. As a result of Roswell left, and Maude was killed off on the show. However, she was restored in 2002 after an agreement was reached.
4. Angelina Jolie
Gravity, starring Sandra Bullock is a film with the most drama in the ‘actors quit movies’ category. Another actress, Angelina Jolie, was rumored to be in the running for the part. However, Jolie departed because of salary disputes. But that’s not where it ends. Before Bullock, Scarlett Johansson and Marion Cotillard were also considered, and Natalie Portman was even cast for the role, before leaving. Also, Bullock’s initial co-star was Robert Downey Jr, not George Clooney. Phew!
5. Bruce Willis
Not unlike the movie, the behind the camera drama of The Expendables is also full of action and adventure. The Expendables behind-the-scenes drama is full of action and thrills, just like the film. When Bruce Willis was supposed to return for the third edition of the franchise, he was promised $3 million. Willis, on the other hand, wanted a $4 million raise, which Sylvester Stallone and his team refused. Thus, in Willis’ place, Harrison Ford was cast as a new role. After that, Stallone expressed his displeasure with Willis by tweeting that he was “greedy and lazy.” Ummm awkward…
6. Rob Lowe
Initially, the primary character of the political drama “The West Wing,” was played by Rob Lowe, as Sam Seaborn, the White House Communications Director. However, as the series went, the focus shifted away from Sam and toward President Jed Bartlet. Lowe left the show after the fourth season due to dissatisfaction with his part. Also, according to reports, despite his co-stars earning pay raises, he was apparently refused an increase and had many salary disputes.
