What was the name of the movie and actor?

Question

Famous actor, offered a percentage to star in a movie, asked for a set amount instead. Movie ended up being a serious blockbuster. Actor ended up getting only a small amount compared to what he would have gotten had he accepted a percentage. Cannot remember anyting about the movie.

This was in the last 15 years or so. Im thinking more of a sci-fi/fantasy movie or even an action movie.

Answer 1

Donald Sutherland - National Lampoon's Animal House

For two days work on the picture, Sutherland was offered either a $40,000 flat fee or a percentage of the film's gross; assuming that the movie would be quickly forgotten, he opted for the sure money, a decision which (by his own admission) has cost him millions.

Answer 2

Yeah, this happens too much to mention. To answer the specific actor 'you're' thinking of would be to just take a wild guess. I'll go along with the Donald Sutherland answer above. But this has happened alot in the movie buisness. With actors AND directors. In the new Rush Hour 3, Chris Tucker opted for a 30 million dollar paycheck (the highest ever paid) instead of royalties, while co-star Jackie Chan opted for royalties. George Lucas gave up his fee for directing 'Star Wars' in exchange for Product Liscensing Rights and full rights to any sequels. Good desision cause the toys alone sold over a billion dollars! James Cameron gave up his paycheck for 'Titanic' in order to get the film back within budget. He retained royalty rights, however which obviously brought him WAY MORE money than the strait check he gave up.

Answer 3

Could be Dennis Quaid in "Brokeback Mountain." I'm sure this scenario has happened a million times, but that is the most recent well known occasion.

Answer 4

I think it was Randy Quaid, but I cant remember what flick... Ended up being huge

Answer 5

u might need a little more detail. that sounds like just about every movie ever made.

Answer 6

Probably Marlon Brando in 'Superman' and 'The Godfather'