Djimon Hounsou, an acclaimed actor known for his roles in films across Marvel, DC, Netflix, and beyond, has openly discussed his financial struggles in Hollywood despite his extensive and successful career. In a candid interview with CNN, Hounsou revealed that he feels "definitely underpaid" in the film industry. This statement comes even after receiving two Best Supporting Actor Oscar nominations for his performances in "In America" and "Blood Diamond," as well as starring in numerous blockbuster movies.
"I’m still struggling to make a living. I’ve been in this business making films now for over two decades with two Oscar nominations, been in many blockbuster films, and yet, I’m still struggling financially. I'm definitely underpaid," Hounsou expressed, highlighting the disparity between his achievements and financial compensation.
These sentiments are not new for Hounsou, who previously shared similar frustrations with The Guardian in 2023. He mentioned feeling "cheated" both financially and in terms of the workload, especially when comparing himself to peers who are "absolutely well off" yet have fewer accolades.
Hounsou, a black actor from Benin, also pointed to racism and xenophobia as factors impacting his career. He recounted experiences in studio meetings where executives expressed surprise at his continued presence in the industry, suggesting a narrow perception of his capabilities and role in Hollywood. "I’ve gone to studios for meetings and they’re like, ‘Wow, we felt like you just got off the boat and then went back [after Amistad]. We didn’t know you were here as a true actor,'" Hounsou said, indicating the limiting views some hold about him.
Despite these challenges, Hounsou remains active in the industry, with recent roles in "A Quiet Place: Day One," the two "Rebel Moon" films on Netflix, the video game adaptation "Gran Turismo," "The King's Man," "Shazam: Fury of the Gods," "Captain Marvel," and "Fast and Furious 7," among others. His determination to overcome these obstacles and continue his work in film is evident, as he stated, "When you hear things like that, you can see that some people’s vision of you, or what you represent, is very limiting. But it is what it is. It’s up to me to redeem that."
