Leonardo DiCaprio was rich and powerful, but the man truly has an absolute fortune. He has more money (way more!) than Kris Jenner. This makes sense given that Leo’s movies have grossed billions of dollars worldwide, his real estate investments have profited, and he owns a private island.
How Leo came to rack up his lot of wealth. Forbes reports that Leo made a casual $29 million in 2015 alone, which is equal to the entire net worths of some celebrities.
You’re Not Prepared for His Titanic Money
Actors receive a large paycheck for starring in a film, but they also receive residuals (or backend points). That is exactly how Leo made so much money from Titanic. According to Celebrity Net Worth, Leo received $2.5 million for the film, but he earned an extra $40 million due to a 1.8 percent cut in backend profits. I’ll say it again: $40 MILLION.
Prior to Titanic, Leo was earning around $1 million per movie. However, after the Titanic became a cultural force, Leo’s rate increased. According to Variety, he received $10 million for Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, and Celebrity Net Worth reports that he received $20 million for a string of films including The Beach, Catch Me If You Can, The Departed, Blood Diamond, and The Aviator.
And then there’s The Wolf of Wall Street, which earned Leo $25 million upfront according to The Hollywood Reporter.
He Had a Massive Payday for Inception
During Inception, Leo repeated his backend points negotiation strategy, earning at least $50 million for the film. According to Forbes, Leo agreed to split “first dollar gross points” despite taking a pay cut to star in the film because it was “risky.”
As the outlet explains, “That means he gets money coming directly off the top of ticket sales (once he has earned back his advance).” Best decision he’s ever made!
Netflix Forked Over a Ton of Money for Don’t Look Up
Specifically $30 million, according to Variety. His paycheck actually caused some controversy since Jennifer Lawrence made $25 million for the film despite being top billed. In response, Jennifer told Vanity Fair, “Look, Leo brings in more box office than I do. I’m extremely fortunate and happy with my deal.
But in other situations, what I have seen—and I’m sure other women in the workforce have seen as well—is that it’s extremely uncomfortable to inquire about equal pay. And if you do question something that appears unequal, you’re told it’s not gender disparity but they can’t tell you what exactly it is.”
Apple Just Paid Him a Fortune for a Buzzy New Movie
Leo is working in collaboration on Killers of the Flower Moon with Martin Scorsese, and Variety reports that Apple is paying $30 million for the iconic duo’s new project.
He’s Made $100 Million From Endorsements Alone
Kim Kardashian might get $1 million per Insta post, but Leo’s out here making tens of millions to lend his famous face to brands. Celebrity Net Worth reports that he’s earned $100 million in endorsements and also happens to be an early investor in Beyond Meat (which Kim endorses…it’s all coming together!). Most recently, he invested in sustainable champagne
