Podcast Summary: The Bobby Bones Show Episode: MOVIE MIKE: Top 10 Highest Grossing Actors and How Much Money They REALLY Make + Movie Review: Superman + Trailer Park: Roofman
Release Date: July 19, 2025
Host: Premiere Networks
Segment Host: Movie Mike

1. Introduction

In this episode, Movie Mike dives deep into the world of Hollywood's highest-grossing actors, dissecting not only their box office achievements but also the actual earnings they take home after various deductions. Additionally, he offers a comprehensive review of James Gunn's latest Superman film and previews the upcoming movie Roofman, starring Channing Tatum.

2. Top 10 Highest Grossing Actors

Scarlett Johansson Takes the Lead

• Box Office Dominance: Scarlett Johansson has surpassed Samuel L. Jackson to become the highest-grossing actor in movie history, with her films grossing a staggering $14.6 billion worldwide (Timestamp: 10:30).

• Breakdown of Earnings:

  • Top Ten Films: Johansson's top earnings come from blockbuster hits like Lucy ($457 million), Iron Man 2 ($621 million), and her pivotal roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), including Avengers: Endgame ($2.7 billion).
  • Jurassic World Rebirth: Her recent role reportedly earned her between $15-20 million, though after agent fees, management, legal, publicity costs, and taxes, she takes home approximately $8-12 million (Timestamp: 18:45).

Other Notable Actors in the Top 10:

• Chris Evans: With $11.4 billion from 29 leading roles, Evans is known for his portrayal of Captain America. Despite being at number 10, he is aiming to transition into more dramatic roles, potentially seeking an Oscar (Timestamp: 25:20).

• Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson: Matching Evans' box office total at $11.4 billion across 39 roles, Johnson's highest earner is Furious 7 ($1.51 billion). Despite occasional box office setbacks, his star power remains undiminished (Timestamp: 30:10).

• Vin Diesel: Close behind at $11.9 billion from 28 leads, Diesel's success is largely attributed to the Fast & Furious franchise. His voice acting in Guardians of the Galaxy also contributes significantly (Timestamp: 35:00).

• Chris Hemsworth: Earning $12.1 billion from 28 roles, Hemsworth is celebrated for his role as Thor. His highest-grossing non-Avengers movie is Thor: Ragnarok ($865 million) (Timestamp: 40:05).

• Tom Cruise: Sitting at number six with $12.7 billion from 45 roles, Cruise's Mission Impossible series and Top Gun: Maverick ($1.496 billion) are major contributors. Despite expectations of a higher ranking, his consistent performance keeps him firmly in the top tier (Timestamp: 45:15).

• Chris Pratt: With $14.1 billion from 26 leading roles, Pratt's success is driven by Jurassic World ($1.671 billion) and Guardians of the Galaxy. His international appeal and simplistic yet engaging movie plots enhance his box office performance (Timestamp: 50:25).

• Zoe Saldana: At $14.2 billion from 33 roles, Saldana benefits from her roles in Avatar ($2.9 billion) and the MCU’s Guardians of the Galaxy. Her involvement in upcoming Avatar sequels promises further earnings (Timestamp: 55:30).

• Robert Downey Jr.: Ranking third with $14.3 billion from 45 roles, Downey Jr.'s portrayal of Iron Man has been a cornerstone of the MCU. His highest-grossing non-Avengers film is Iron Man 3 ($1.215 billion) (Timestamp: 60:45).

• Samuel L. Jackson: Formerly number one, Jackson now holds second place with $14.6 billion from 70 leading roles. His extensive work in the MCU and other franchises continues to boost his earnings (Timestamp: 65:50).

Lower Rankings and Surprises:

• Bradley Cooper, Tom Hanks, Johnny Depp: These actors are just outside the top 10, with Cooper and Hanks showing consistent performances, whereas Depp's box office returns have tapered off (Timestamp: 70:00).

• Surprising Placements: Adam Sandler, despite his frequent top-five yearly rankings, finds himself at number 68 with $5.2 billion, highlighting the impact of franchise-driven careers on overall box office success (Timestamp: 80:30).

3. How Much Money Do Actors Really Make?

Movie Mike breaks down the often-misunderstood earnings of top actors, emphasizing the significant portions of their salaries that go to agents, managers, lawyers, publicists, and taxes.

• Example Breakdown (Scarlett Johansson’s $20 Million Earnings):

  • Agent Fees (10%): $2 million
  • Manager Fees (10-15%): $2-3 million
  • Legal Fees (5%): $1 million
  • Publicist Costs: $100-300k
  • Taxes: 20-50% depending on location.

• Net Earnings: After deductions, Johansson’s take-home from a $20 million deal is estimated between $8-12 million, debunking the myth that actors keep the entirety of their high salaries (Timestamp: 18:45).

4. Movie Review: Superman Directed by James Gunn

Movie Mike offers a spoiler-free review of James Gunn’s Superman, presenting it as a revitalizing take on the iconic superhero.

Key Points:

• Visuals and Color Palette: Gunn’s mastery in using color is praised, reminiscent of his work in Guardians of the Galaxy. The rich blues, deep reds, and vibrant yellows contribute to an immersive cinematic experience (Timestamp: 90:15).

• Character Development:

  • Superman’s Flaws: Unlike previous portrayals, this Superman exhibits vulnerabilities and struggles, making him more relatable and "human" (Timestamp: 95:40).
  • Relationship Dynamics: The relationship between Superman and Lois Lane is highlighted as a strong emotional anchor, enhancing audience investment (Timestamp: 100:30).

• Villain Portrayal: Nicholas Holt’s Lex Luthor is lauded as one of the best villains in recent decades, providing a worthy adversary that elevates the narrative (Timestamp: 105:20).

• Overall Experience: The film is described as "almost perfect," with high praise for its ability to blend action, character depth, and visual storytelling. Movie Mike rates the film 4.5 out of 5 Criptos, citing it as a must-watch event movie that benefits greatly from the theatrical experience (Timestamp: 115:50).

5. Trailer Park: Roofman

In the Trailer Park segment, Movie Mike previews the upcoming film Roofman, starring Channing Tatum.

Highlights:

• Plot Overview: Based on a true story, Roofman follows Jeffrey Manchester (Channing Tatum), a former U.S. Army Ranger who turns to robbing McDonald's stores by cutting holes into their roofs. His escapades lead him to hide in a Toys R Us store, where he integrates into the community, complicating his life further (Timestamp: 120:00).

• Character Dynamics:

  • Channing Tatum's Role: Tatum portrays Manchester with a mix of charisma and vulnerability, showcasing his ability to handle both comedic and dramatic scenes.
  • Supporting Cast: Features prominent actors like Kirsten Dunst and Peter Dinklage, adding depth to the story’s development (Timestamp: 125:30).

• Production Notes:

  • Direction and Filming: Directed by CN France, known for The Place Beyond the Pine, the film is shot on-location in Charlotte, North Carolina, using 35mm film to evoke a nostalgic, gritty aesthetic (Timestamp: 130:45).

• Anticipation: Roofman is slated for release on October 25th and is expected to perform well at the box office due to its compelling true-crime narrative and strong performances (Timestamp: 135:00).

6. Listener Shoutouts and Feedback

Movie Mike addresses feedback from listeners, particularly concerning his previous review of Jurassic World Rebirth. Despite backlash from some fans who disagreed with his rankings, he maintains his stance and encourages open discussion through social media and email (Movie Mike Diesro at everything and moviemiked@gmail.com) (Timestamp: 140:10).

7. Conclusion

The episode concludes with Movie Mike urging listeners to watch engaging movies and participate in discussions, reinforcing the podcast's commitment to providing insightful and honest movie critiques.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• On Actor Earnings:
  "Sometimes that $20 million, you've got 2 million taken out for the agent, 2 million for the manager, a million for the lawyer..."
  [00:18:45]

• On Scarlett Johansson's Box Office Impact:
  "Scarlett Johansson's movies have pulled in a grand total of $14.6 billion at the worldwide box office."
  [00:10:30]

• On James Gunn’s Superman Visuals:
  "Has one of my favorite uses of color in any movie..."
  [00:25:00]

• On Roofman:
  "Roofman has the potential to be my next favorite movie because it has a lot of things that I love."
  [00:120:00]

Final Thoughts

This episode provides a comprehensive look into the financial realities of top Hollywood actors, critiques a significant new superhero film, and builds anticipation for an upcoming true-crime inspired movie. Movie Mike blends industry insights with passionate movie appreciation, making it a valuable listen for film enthusiasts.