Zoe Saldaña has surpassed the Scarlett Johansson box office record, becoming the highest-grossing star at the global box office. This shift comes after the impressive performance of Avatar: Fire and Ash, boosting Saldaña’s career totals past her Marvel and Avatar co-star.
Unprecedented Achievements in Blockbusters
Saldaña is now the only actress to have main roles in three of the highest-earning films ever: Avatar, Avengers: Endgame, and Avatar: The Way of Water. She has also achieved a unique milestone by starring in four movies that each grossed more than $2 billion worldwide, including Avengers: Infinity War as the fourth entry alongside her previous hits.
Her blockbuster credentials extend further with her participation in the Star Trek trilogy, which, as a group, have generated over $1 billion globally. Her consistent presence in major franchises like Marvel’s Avengers and James Cameron’s Avatar series has established her as a standout in cinematic history.
Yearly Rankings Shift Among Top Stars
In the previous year, Scarlett Johansson claimed the number one spot after surpassing Samuel L Jackson, especially aided by the film Jurassic World: Rebirth. However, the release of Avatar: Fire and Ash, in which Saldaña starred, has now pushed her ahead—Saldaña’s cumulative global tally now stands at $15.46 billion, compared to Johansson’s $15.40 billion. Before Johansson’s rise, Samuel L Jackson held the position with $14.61 billion in global box office receipts.
Top Ten Highest-Grossing Stars in Lead Roles
The competition among top-grossing actors continues to evolve as new films break box office records. With the latest numbers, Saldaña sits at the top, while Johansson and Jackson remain among the all-time leaders. The ongoing performances of major Hollywood releases keep these rankings in flux.
Strong Performance of Avatar: Fire and Ash
Avatar: Fire and Ash has tracked impressive international sales, with projections between $1.5 billion and $1.7 billion during its run. Released on December 19, this Zoe Saldaña starrer, also known as Avatar 3, has contributed significantly to her new box office record and solidified her status among global cinema’s elite.
Significance of the New Box Office Landscape
Zoe Saldaña’s achievement demonstrates the impact of consistent performances in blockbuster franchises. Films directed by notable names like James Cameron and collaborations as seen in the Avengers have continually broken box office barriers. As more releases roll out, especially within franchises like Avatar and Marvel, the competition for the top box office spot remains intense, with Saldaña now holding the lead.
