Zoe Saldaña has overtaken Scarlett Johansson as the highest-grossing actress at the global box office, fueled by the strong earnings of Avatar: Fire and Ash. This milestone highlights Saldaña’s role as the only actress to star in three of the all-time highest-grossing films: Avatar, Avengers: Endgame, and Avatar: The Way of Water.
Record-Breaking Performances Across Multiple Blockbusters
Saldaña is also the first actress to appear in four movies that have each earned over $2 billion worldwide, with Avengers: Infinity War joining the ranks alongside the other massive hits. Beyond the Avatar and Marvel Cinematic Universe films, she is known for her parts in the Star Trek trilogy, which collectively has brought in over $1 billion worldwide.
Scarlett Johansson’s Previous Reign and Recent Competition
Last year, Scarlett Johansson had surpassed Samuel L. Jackson to become the top-grossing actor, helped by the success of Jurassic World: Rebirth. However, with the release and strong box office draw of Avatar: Fire and Ash in late 2023, Zoe Saldaña has now taken the lead with a total career box office gross of $15.46 billion, narrowly beating Johansson’s $15.40 billion. Previously, Johansson had passed Jackson’s $14.61 billion total to claim the top spot.
Looking Ahead to Avatar 3 and its Box Office Prospects
The upcoming Avatar 3, starring Zoe Saldaña, launched on December 19 and is anticipated to continue this box office momentum. Avatar: Fire and Ash is projected to earn between $1.5 billion and $1.7 billion during its global theatrical run, further strengthening Saldaña’s position in box office history.
Top Stars Leading on the Global Box Office Chart
Here is the list of the top ten highest-grossing stars in leading roles worldwide, illustrating the incredible success of these actors at the box office.
The Significance of this Achievement in Hollywood
Zoe Saldaña’s rise to the top spot marks a notable moment in film history, reflecting her enduring presence in major franchises that have shaped modern cinema’s commercial landscape. As the global box office continues to recover and evolve, these milestones offer insight into the shifting dynamics among Hollywood’s biggest stars.
