James Cameron is one of the most successful living directors today who has continued to delight millions with his cinematic masterpieces and incredible craftwork. Cameron has helmed dozens of fascinating and commercially successful projects in his legendary career. He has made films across all genres, featuring influential characters, over-the-top themes, catchy dialogues, and star-studded cast ensembles.
He is considered a preeminent figure and innovative filmmaker in the post-New Hollywood era. The 69-year-old director is best known for creating monumental projects and his dedication to leaving the audience entertained and informed with his tales. In 1997, he directed an American disaster blockbuster, Titanic, that broke many records in the industry, winning critical acclaim and grossing billions of dollars.
However, many might not know he gave up his whopping salary for this movie. The Terminator director once revealed that because of its astronomical production cost, he forwent his earnings when the film went over budget, and he was so passionate about this flick that he returned his paycheck.
James Cameron Returned His Whopping Salary for Titanic?
James Cameron easily ranks among the top-tier filmmakers in the entertainment industry whose movies often grossed millions, even billions, at the box office, making him one of the highest-grossing directors in Hollywood. Cameron is a multi-talented director who has helmed several blockbuster projects, touched many milestones, and has earned many accomplishments in his storied career.
He has been conquering the American cinema by delivering epic tales and films, which have helped him solidify his spot in the industry. To date, his 1997 epic romance drama directorial Titanic is considered one of the best works of his celebrated career. Based on heartbreaking accounts of the sinking of the RMS Titanic in 1912, his magnum opus gained worldwide attention, received immense praise, and earned critical acclaim for its outstanding plot, cinematography, and mind-blowing direction.
While many may assume that after the massive success of this film, Cameron would have earned a monumental and profitable amount off of this project, surprisingly, he didn’t get a penny from this movie all because of his own decision and choice.
James Cameron Reveals Why He Gave Up His Paycheck
After the release of Titanic in 1997, James Cameron appeared on The Howard Stern Show and opened up about the problems they endured while making his blockbuster project. Cameron revealed that the production of this film has faced many obstacles and setbacks.
He shared that one of the issues they faced was monetary problems, as he told the studio that the film would cost close to $120 million. However, as they began filming this gigantic film, it went over budget and rocketed up to $200 million, which led him to give up his salary to ensure the production house that they were not lying about its cost.
The True Lies director said:
“We told them $120 [million], and that’s what we thought it was going to cost. That’s why I wound up giving them back all my money because I said, ‘Guys, I don’t want you to think we lied to you just so we can get you to make this movie.'”
The award-winning director claimed that he returned his salary to ensure the studio that they were not lying about its cost, only to get more funds. James Cameron-directed Titanic earned critical acclaim and received an overwhelming response from the audience and critics alike, who hailed its stunning visual effects, over-the-top plot, and top-notch direction. It grossed $1.84B at the global box office, making it one of the highest-grossing movies of his career.
Titanic is available for renting or purchasing on Google Play or Vudu.
Source: The Howard Stern Show
