Renowned actor Djimon Hounsou, a prominent figure in Marvel, DC, Netflix, and countless other productions, recently revealed his ongoing financial struggles in Hollywood. Despite a remarkable career spanning over two decades, including two Oscar nominations for Best Supporting Actor (In America and Blood Diamond) and starring roles in numerous blockbuster films, Hounsou confessed to CNN that he remains "underpaid" and "still struggling to make a living."
This candid statement echoes similar sentiments expressed by Hounsou in 2023 to The Guardian, where he voiced feelings of being "cheated" regarding both his financial compensation and the sheer volume of work undertaken. He attributed these challenges, in part, to the pervasive racism and xenophobia he's encountered throughout his career. Hounsou shared instances of studio meetings where his presence was perceived as fleeting, rather than that of a seasoned and accomplished actor. He acknowledged these limiting perceptions but remains determined to overcome them.
His recent projects underscore his prolific career: A Quiet Place: Day One, the Rebel Moon duology (Netflix), Gran Turismo, The King's Man, Shazam: Fury of the Gods, Captain Marvel, and Fast and Furious 7, to name a few. Despite this impressive filmography, Hounsou's comments highlight the persistent inequalities within the film industry.
