Djimon Hounsou discusses his financial struggles in Hollywood
Despite an impressive track record of Oscar-nominated roles and his involvement in big-budget films, actor Djimon Hounsou has expressed that he faces ongoing financial difficulties.
In a recent interview with CNN, the 60-year-old star of “Shazam!” revealed that after spending over twenty years in the industry, including roles in major Hollywood franchises like the Marvel Cinematic Universe, he still struggles to make ends meet.
“I have been making films for over two decades. Despite receiving two Oscar nominations and appearing in many blockbuster films, I am still facing financial challenges,” he noted. “I feel significantly underpaid.”
Following CNN correspondent Larry Madowo’s remark that it’s “mind-boggling” to learn this about Hounsou—whom he recognized as one of the first prominent Black actors in major films—the actor remarked, “That’s a clear indication that systemic racism is not merely a trivial issue. It’s something we contend with and navigate as best as we can.”
Hounsou is known for his role as Korath in Marvel films, where he chased after Chris Pratt’s character in “Guardians of the Galaxy” and reprised his role in “Captain Marvel.” Additionally, he featured as a potent wizard in DC’s “Shazam!” franchise.
He has also starred in the “Quiet Place” series, appearing in “A Quiet Place Part II” and the recent “A Quiet Place: Day One.”
One of Hounsou’s earliest performances was in Steven Spielberg’s 1997 film “Amistad,” which garnered him a Golden Globe nomination, though he did not receive an Oscar nomination. He expressed to CNN that, at that time, the Academy perhaps did not consider him an actor worthy of respect.
Hounsou later achieved two Oscar nominations for best supporting actor—first in 2004 for “In America” and then in 2007 for “Blood Diamond.” He was also part of the ensemble cast for “Gladiator,” which won the Oscar for best picture in 2001.
His other notable credits include roles in “Stargate,” “Constantine,” “Eragon,” “How to Train Your Dragon 2,” “Furious 7,” “Aquaman,” “Charlie’s Angels,” “The King’s Man,” and both parts of Zack Snyder’s “Rebel Moon.”
