Think of a star climbing from small roles to breaking all-time records. That’s Zoe Saldaña’s story. She is now the actor whose movies have made the most money in history. It’s inspiring to see someone with her skill and presence pass Hollywood giants. This achievement is more than just a number—it’s about hard work, famous roles, and the power of film.
In today’s movie world, big hits measure success. Zoe Saldaña’s path is one many can understand. We often dream of reaching new heights, and she has done exactly that. After Avatar: Fire and Ash hit theaters, she moved past Scarlett Johansson to become the top-earning actor. Let’s look at this uplifting story, filled with facts and a bit of movie star shine.
The Big Change in Movie Earnings
Box office records show the excitement of the film business. Zoe Saldaña, age 47, has now earned over $15.47 billion worldwide from her films. This is slightly more than Scarlett Johansson’s $15.40 billion. The key reason? The huge success of Avatar: Fire and Ash, which made $1.23 billion globally.
It’s like a real-life underdog story. From her early days in dance to leading major sci-fi movies, her journey shows steady focus. As the top-earning actor, she shows that skill and smart role choices can change the game.
This is not just a statistic—it gives hope to new actors everywhere. Scarlett Johansson was number one last year after Jurassic World Rebirth. Now, Zoe’s success with Avatar has changed the order, making her the new leader.
The Top 10 Highest-Earning Actors
To see the full picture, here is the current list of the actors with the highest total box office earnings. It shows how series like Marvel and Avatar lead the way.
| Rank | Actor | Worldwide Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zoe Saldaña | $15,470,006,200 |
| 2 | Scarlett Johansson | $15,401,507,141 |
| 3 | Samuel L. Jackson | $14,613,700,731 |
| 4 | Robert Downey, Jr. | $14,315,110,840 |
| 5 | Chris Pratt | $14,128,303,784 |
| 6 | Tom Cruise | $12,669,366,862 |
| 7 | Chris Hemsworth | $12,189,865,785 |
| 8 | Vin Diesel | $12,043,063,424 |
| 9 | Chris Evans | $11,489,026,787 |
| 10 | Dwayne Johnson | $11,466,158,582 |
The table confirms Zoe Saldaña is now the top-earning actor. The race is close at the top, with many Marvel stars on the list. These actors are part of our favorite movie moments.
Zoe Saldaña’s Path to the Top: From Dance to Movie Star
Zoe’s story is compelling. Born in New Jersey with Dominican and Puerto Rican heritage, she first trained as a ballet dancer. An injury led her to acting, which was a great turn. Her big moment in Center Stage showed a real and relatable emotion.
But her sci-fi roles made her the top earner. As Neytiri in Avatar, she showed power and love, reaching fans everywhere. Then as Gamora in the Guardians of the Galaxy series—strong yet sensitive, a balance many know in life.
The remarkable part? She has starred in four movies that each made over $2 billion. That’s a first. Zoe Saldaña as the top-earning actor is a positive sign for women and minorities in film. Her choice of popular series like Avatar and Marvel shows clever planning.
Zoe Saldaña’s Biggest Films
Here are the movies that built her record. These films broke box office records and also connected with audiences through themes of family, bravery, and discovery.
| Film | Release Year | Worldwide Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Avatar | 2009 | $2,923,706,026 |
| Avengers: Endgame | 2019 | $2,797,501,328 |
| Avatar: The Way of Water | 2022 | $2,317,514,386 |
| Avengers: Infinity War | 2018 | $2,052,415,039 |
| Avatar: Fire and Ash | 2025 | $1,232,779,299 |
| Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 | 2017 | $869,113,101 |
| Guardians of the Galaxy | 2014 | $770,882,395 |
| Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 | 2023 | $845,555,777 |
| Star Trek Into Darkness | 2013 | $467,381,584 |
| Star Trek | 2009 | $386,839,614 |
These numbers show major success. Each film feels special—Avengers: Endgame provided an ending, while Avatar created awe. As the top earner, Zoe’s career is a lesson in choosing major blockbusters.
Scarlett Johansson’s Strong Run: A Story of Range
Scarlett Johansson remains a major talent. Her move from independent films to Marvel hero is impressive, showing the challenge of mixing art and business. As the former top-earning actor, she led with roles that gave strength to women.
Her Black Widow was someone audiences could relate to—a fighter with emotion. Her records came from wise choices, like her voice role in Sing or starring in Lucy. Even after moving to second place, her influence remains.
Scarlett Johansson’s Biggest Films
Scarlett’s hits cover different styles, showing her range as the past top earner.
| Film | Release Year | Worldwide Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Avengers: Endgame | 2019 | $2,797,501,328 |
| Avengers: Infinity War | 2018 | $2,052,415,039 |
| The Avengers | 2012 | $1,515,100,211 |
| Avengers: Age of Ultron | 2015 | $1,395,316,979 |
| Captain America: Civil War | 2016 | $1,151,899,586 |
| Jurassic World Rebirth | 2025 | $869,145,138 |
| The Jungle Book | 2016 | $950,697,998 |
| Sing | 2016 | $631,064,182 |
| Captain America: The Winter Soldier | 2014 | $714,401,889 |
| Iron Man 2 | 2010 | $621,156,389 |
Her totals are huge. Movies like Avengers: Endgame touched people everywhere, making her time as top earner memorable.
What This Means for Hollywood: Variety and Earnings
This change is significant for the industry. Zoe Saldaña, a Latina actress, becoming the top-earning actor shows movement forward. It’s meaningful for groups that don’t always see themselves in top spots.
Ideas like “women in Hollywood” and “diverse leads” become more relevant. Box office success now often includes wider stories. Scarlett’s time showed adaptability; Zoe’s highlights cultural importance.
For fans, it’s a thrilling time. With more Avatar films planned, Zoe might grow her lead as the top-earning actor.
Useful Links for More Information:
- The Numbers: Top Grossing Stars
- Box Office Mojo: Avatar: Fire and Ash
For video insights, you can watch:
- Zoe Saldaña Makes Box Office History
- Zoe Saldana Becomes Highest-Grossing Actress
- Zoe Saldaña Challenges Scarlett Johansson
Conclusion
Zoe Saldaña passing Scarlett Johansson as the top-earning actor is more than news—it’s a win for anyone with a dream. Her $15.47 billion total secures her place in box office history. As the industry changes, this reminds us that movies succeed by telling stories that touch us. Zoe, as the top-earning actor, represents that idea.
FAQ
Q: Who is currently the top-earning actor?
A: Zoe Saldaña, with over $15.47 billion in global movie earnings.
Q: How did Zoe Saldaña pass Scarlett Johansson?
A: The earnings from Avatar: Fire and Ash, which added $1.23 billion, moved her past Scarlett’s total.
Q: What are common search terms about this?
A: “Zoe Saldaña box office”, “highest-grossing actor”, “Avatar Fire and Ash success”.
Disclaimer
This blog is for information only and uses public data as of January 2026. Box office numbers can change, and views are based on interpretation.
