Acclaimed actor Djimon Hounsou, known for his roles in major films across Marvel, DC, Netflix, and beyond, recently revealed his ongoing financial struggles in Hollywood. Despite a distinguished career spanning over two decades, including two Oscar nominations for Best Supporting Actor (In America and Blood Diamond) and numerous blockbuster appearances, Hounsou claims he remains underpaid.
"I'm still struggling to make a living," Hounsou told CNN. "I've been in this business making films for over two decades with two Oscar nominations, been in many blockbuster films, and yet, I'm still struggling financially. I'm definitely underpaid."
These statements reiterate concerns Hounsou voiced in 2023 to The Guardian, where he expressed feeling "cheated...tremendously cheated, in terms of finances and in terms of the workload as well," comparing his financial situation to that of less-accomplished peers.
Hounsou, a Black actor from Benin, further suggested that racism and xenophobia have negatively impacted his career opportunities. He recounted instances of studios perceiving him as a newcomer, even after established roles. "When you hear things like that, you can see that some people’s vision of you, or what you represent, is very limiting," he stated. "But it is what it is. It’s up to me to redeem that."
Hounsou's recent projects include A Quiet Place: Day One, the Rebel Moon films (Netflix), Gran Turismo, The King's Man, Shazam: Fury of the Gods, Captain Marvel, Fast and Furious 7, and many more.
