Zoe Saldana Becomes the Highest-Grossing Actor of All Time

As of mid-January 2026, Zoe Saldana has officially become the highest-grossing actor of all time, surpassing Scarlett Johansson by approximately $69 million. This milestone follows the release of "Avatar: Fire and Ash," which premiered in December 2025 and has grossed around $1.23 billion. Saldana's cumulative box office earnings now stand at approximately $15.468 billion from 33 films, while Johansson's total is about $15.401 billion from 36 films. Samuel L. Jackson ranks third with $14.613 billion.

Zoe Saldana Breaks a Historic Box Office Record Thanks to Avatar and MarvelScarlett Johansson loses her spot as the highest grossing actor of all timeEssence

Saldana's rise to the top is largely attributed to her roles in major franchises, particularly James Cameron's "Avatar" series and Marvel's "Avengers" films. She is the first actor to star in four films that have each grossed over $2 billion, including "Avatar" (2009), "Avatar: The Way of Water" (2022), and "Avengers: Endgame" (2019). Her ability to captivate audiences across various genres has solidified her status as a leading figure in Hollywood's blockbuster landscape.

Scarlett Johansson loses her spot as the highest grossing actor of all time

In response to her achievement, Saldana expressed gratitude on Instagram, stating, “I just want to express my sincerest gratitude for the extraordinary journey that has led me to become the highest-grossing film actor of all time today.” She acknowledged the contributions of her collaborators and directors throughout her career.

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While Saldana's achievement is celebrated, some industry observers note that the box office landscape is dynamic, with upcoming films potentially reshaping the rankings. Critics point out that Johansson's strong partnership with Marvel could allow her to reclaim the title, especially with future projects on the horizon.

Zoe Saldana Breaks a Historic Box Office Record Thanks to Avatar and Marvel

Looking ahead, Saldana is set to star in the upcoming "Avatar" sequels, which are expected to further enhance her box office totals. The entertainment industry anticipates a rebound in box office revenues in 2026, with major releases like "The Batman II" and "Jurassic World Renaissance" likely to attract significant audiences. This trend underscores the dominance of mega-franchises in global cinema.

Zoe Saldana Breaks a Historic Box Office Record Thanks to Avatar and Marvel

While Saldana's current earnings are reported at $15.468 billion, there is speculation about how long she can maintain her lead, given the competitive nature of the box office. Future releases from both Saldana and Johansson could alter the rankings, and the exact impact of these films remains uncertain.

Zoe Saldana Breaks a Historic Box Office Record Thanks to Avatar and Marvel

• “I just want to express my sincerest gratitude for the extraordinary journey that has led me to become the highest-grossing film actor of all time today, an achievement made possible by entirely incredible franchises and the collaborators that I have been fortunate to be a part of,” — Zoe Saldana

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• “We dropped all those little pleasures of life that you do in a day that compel you to calm down.” — Zoe Saldana

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Zoe Saldana's ascent to the highest-grossing actor position marks a significant moment in cinematic history, reflecting both her talent and the evolving landscape of the film industry.

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