Zoe Saldaña Becomes the Highest-Grossing Actor of All Time

Zoe Saldaña has officially claimed the title of the highest-grossing actor of all time, surpassing Scarlett Johansson, thanks to the success of "Avatar: Fire and Ash." As of January 12, 2026, the film has grossed approximately $1.23 billion worldwide, contributing to Saldaña's total box office earnings of over $16.8 billion. This milestone reflects her significant roles in multiple blockbuster franchises, including the "Avatar" series, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), and "Star Trek."

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Saldaña's rise to the top is largely attributed to her performances in three of the four highest-grossing films of all time: 2009's "Avatar," 2019's "Avengers: Endgame," and 2022's "Avatar: The Way of Water." Her cumulative earnings from films where she played a lead or major supporting role amount to approximately $15.46 billion. In contrast, Johansson's total stands at around $16.4 billion, primarily driven by her roles in MCU films.

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The "Avatar" franchise alone has generated about $6 billion, with Saldaña's portrayal of Neytiri being a central element of its success. Additionally, her involvement in the MCU as Gamora and her role as Nyota Uhura in the "Star Trek" series have further solidified her status as a box office powerhouse.

Zoe Saldaña Passes Fellow MCU Star To Become Highest-Grossing Actor Of All Time

Following her historic achievement, Saldaña expressed her gratitude and excitement, stating, “It feels really good... I’m honored. I’m very happy. I’m also like, ‘OK, let’s continue to work.’” This sentiment reflects her commitment to her craft and the ongoing projects she has lined up, including "Avatar 4" and "Avatar 5," both of which are expected to continue her box office dominance.

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While Saldaña's achievement has been celebrated, some critics point out that her record is heavily reliant on franchise films, which dominate the current cinematic landscape. This reliance raises questions about the sustainability of such box office records in an industry increasingly focused on franchise filmmaking.

Zoe Saldaña surpasses Scarlett Johansson to become the highest-grossing actor of all time

Looking ahead, Saldaña is set to reprise her role in the upcoming "Avatar" sequels, with "Avatar 4" scheduled for release on December 21, 2029. Additionally, she is involved in various projects, including the Paramount+ series "Lioness." As the box office performance of "Avatar: Fire and Ash" continues, her total earnings are likely to grow, further entrenching her position at the top of the all-time highest-grossing actors list.

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• “The reason why this world is so real to so many people is because the acting was the most important element for Jim,” — Zoe Saldaña, on performance capture technology in "Avatar."

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• “I’m in awe of you, your strength, your complexity, your undeniable talent.” — Zoe Saldaña, during her Oscar acceptance speech for "Emilia Pérez."

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Zoe Saldaña's remarkable career trajectory and her recent box office success highlight her significant impact on the film industry, making her a pivotal figure in modern cinema.

Zoe Saldaña breaks Scarlett Johansson’s record