In December 2024, reports emerged that producer Danny Rossner had extended an offer exceeding $60 million to Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie to co-star in a World War II-era romance set in Cannes, France. This proposal, however, highlighted a significant pay disparity: Pitt was slated to receive up to $37.5 million, while Jolie was offered approximately $22 million. This discrepancy has reignited discussions about the persistent gender pay gap in Hollywood. citeturn0news9
This isn’t the first instance where Jolie has faced unequal compensation. In the 2005 film “Mr. & Mrs. Smith,” despite sharing equal screen time and contributing significantly to the film’s success, Jolie was paid $10 million—half of Pitt’s $20 million salary. The movie grossed over $487 million worldwide, underscoring the imbalance between their remunerations. citeturn0search0
The proposed project by Rossner, centered on a love story at the Hotel Martinez during World War II, would require Pitt and Jolie to perform intimate scenes together. Given their tumultuous history and ongoing legal disputes, the feasibility of such a collaboration remains questionable. Rossner acknowledged the challenges, stating that while the love scenes are integral to character development, adjustments could be made if necessary. citeturn0news9
The broader issue of gender-based pay disparities in Hollywood has been a longstanding concern. Numerous actresses have publicly addressed instances where they’ve been compensated less than their male counterparts, even when sharing equal billing and screen time. This systemic issue reflects deeper societal biases and underscores the need for industry-wide reforms to ensure equitable treatment and compensation for all performers.
In summary, while the prospect of Pitt and Jolie reuniting on screen offers significant commercial appeal, the associated pay disparity and their complex personal history present substantial obstacles. This situation serves as a microcosm of the ongoing challenges Hollywood faces in addressing and rectifying gender-based pay inequities.
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