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Leonardo DiCaprio’s collaboration with legendary director Martin Scorsese in their latest project, Killers of the Flower Moon, reportedly secured the actor an astounding payday.
DiCaprio, renowned as one of the finest actors of his generation, has graced several exceptional films in the past three decades, including Titanic, Catch Me If You Can, and Gangs of New York. His exceptional work commands a significant fee, and his role in the new film, Killers of the Flower Moon, marked a career high in compensation for a Scorsese feature.
Reportedly, according to Puck, DiCaprio earned a staggering $40 million for his portrayal of Ernest Buckhart in Killers of the Flower Moon. This figure sets a new record for DiCaprio in collaboration with Scorsese, surpassing their previous joint effort, The Wolf of Wall Street, where DiCaprio earned $25 million—a record in itself at that time.
Several factors distinguish these two projects. Paramount initially signed on to finance and distribute Killers, but due to the substantial costs of Scorsese’s vision, estimated at around $200 million, Apple TV Plus joined the project, providing additional funding.
The other significant difference lies in the release strategy. Killers of the Flower Moon is slated for a streaming release on Apple TV Plus soon after its theatrical run, although a specific date is yet to be confirmed, possibly occurring before the year’s end.
The trend of immediate streaming availability often prompts stars to negotiate for higher upfront compensation rather than relying on a share of box office revenue. This approach acknowledges that even wide theatrical releases might not attract a substantial audience due to the anticipation of a home release. However, DiCaprio’s stature likely allows him to command such significant compensation regardless of the release strategy.
The film itself boasts an impressive ensemble, including Robert De Niro and Lily Gladstone, making it a highly anticipated cinematic experience. For those who haven’t watched it yet, Killers of the Flower Moon comes recommended, offering another riveting collaboration between DiCaprio and Scorsese.