The Star Wars franchise is one of the biggest and most beloved film series of all time, capturing the hearts of fans across generations. But did you know it didn’t always pay as much as it does now? One of its iconic actors, who played Han Solo, earned just $10,000 for the first movie. Over time, though, his paycheck grew by leaps and bounds.
With a career spanning decades, Harrison Ford rose to fame when he first stepped into the shoes of Han Solo in 1977. He became a true cultural icon in cinema, starring in blockbuster hits across genres, especially during the 1980s and 1990s. Today, he’s celebrated as one of Hollywood’s greatest leading men.
Harrison Ford’s Salary Jump Will Shock You
At 82, Harrison Ford remains one of the biggest movie stars in the world. From his iconic roles in Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and Blade Runner to earning an Academy Award nomination for Witness, Ford has built an incredible career. Even now, he continues to thrive in the film industry. But before his breakthrough role in Star Wars, Harrison Ford was far from a household name. He worked as a carpenter to support his family, occasionally landing small roles in films. His big break came when George Lucas cast him as Han Solo.
But did you know Ford made just $10,000 for his role as Han Solo in the first Star Wars movie? Back then, he was still a relatively unknown actor, and no one was sure if the movie would even succeed. That paycheck was the lowest of his career, but it didn’t take long for things to change dramatically.
Ford’s salary saw a huge jump in the sequels. According to Parade, for The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, he earned $500,000 each which was quite an upgrade! Then, in 2015, when he reprised Han Solo in The Force Awakens, his earnings skyrocketed. Ford reportedly made $15 million upfront for the film, plus a share of its box office profits. Altogether, he took home an incredible $25 million for the movie.
Harrison Ford Earned Much More Than His Star Wars Co-Stars
Harrison Ford walked away as the biggest earner in Disney and Lucasfilm’s Star Wars sequel trilogy. Reports suggest he made a massive paycheck of $15 million to reprise his iconic role as Han Solo in The Force Awakens. Some sources, like Variety, claim his total earnings were an astounding $25 million, thanks to his share of the film’s profits.
Ford’s paycheck was significantly higher than those of his co-stars. Mark Hamill who portrayed the role of Luke Skywalker and Carrie Fisher who played the role of Princess Leia, earned salaries in the low-seven-figure range. Meanwhile, newcomers like Daisy Ridley who portrayed the role of Rey, and John Boyega who played the role of Finn received low-six-figure paychecks. Adam Driver and Oscar Isaac, who already had established careers, negotiated mid-to-high-six-figure salaries based on their previous work.
Disney had reportedly set up a “legacy pay scale” in 2014 for original cast members like Ford, Hamill, and Fisher to reflect their contributions to the franchise’s legacy. On the other hand, newer actors were given pay rates aligned with their lesser experience in large-scale productions. This approach created a notable pay gap, but it also put a spotlight on Harrison Ford’s unparalleled stature in the Star Wars universe and Hollywood.
Harrison Ford’s Acting Career Turned Him Into a Hollywood Legend
Harrison Ford’s acting career has not only made him a Hollywood legend but has also earned him a massive fortune. Depending on the project, Ford’s pay per film ranges from $12 million to $65 million. On top of his base salary, he often secures backend deals, which add to his earnings based on a movie’s success. According to The Guardian by 2016, Harrison Ford had earned the title of Hollywood’s highest-grossing actor, with his films bringing in a staggering $4.7 billion overall.
Ford’s journey with the Indiana Jones franchise alone speaks volumes. He earned $5.9 million for the first film, Raiders of the Lost Ark, followed by $4.5 million and $4.9 million for the next two movies. When he returned for the fourth installment in 2007, his paycheck skyrocketed to $65 million! (via Men’s Health) Altogether, he’s reportedly made over $80 million from the franchise, and there are rumors that he earned another $25 million for the most recent film.
Ford’s highest-grossing movie, however, is Star Wars: The Force Awakens, which raked in $2.06 billion worldwide at the box office. No surprise that his paycheck for that movie was equally jaw-dropping. With a career spanning decades, Ford’s total earnings reflect his immense impact on the film industry. According to Parade, his net worth is estimated to be $300 million as of 2024.
