In December 2024, reports emerged that producer Danny Rossner extended a substantial offer to Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, proposing $60 million for the estranged couple to co-star in a World War II romance set in Cannes, France. The proposed compensation was reportedly divided as $37.5 million for Pitt and $22 million for Jolie, reflecting a significant disparity in their pay.
This proposed pay gap is not unprecedented in their collaborative history. In the 2005 film “Mr. & Mrs. Smith,” where their on-screen chemistry garnered significant attention, Pitt received a salary of $20 million, while Jolie was compensated with $10 million—half of Pitt’s earnings.
The entertainment industry has long grappled with gender-based pay disparities, with numerous high-profile cases highlighting the issue. Despite Jolie’s esteemed career and status as one of Hollywood’s leading actresses, these disparities persist. Between 2001 and 2011, Jolie earned over $120 million from her film roles, with her peak salary reaching $33 million for “Maleficent” in 2014.
The proposed reunion project faces significant challenges beyond salary negotiations. Jolie and Pitt’s highly publicized divorce and ongoing legal disputes over custody and business interests add layers of complexity to any potential collaboration. Rossner acknowledges these hurdles but remains optimistic about the project’s prospects.
In summary, while the prospect of Jolie and Pitt reuniting on screen presents an enticing opportunity for audiences and filmmakers alike, the proposed pay disparity underscores ongoing issues of gender-based compensation inequities in Hollywood. Coupled with the personal complexities stemming from their past relationship, the feasibility of such a project remains uncertain.
