Morgan Freeman Says He’ll Overlook a Weak Script If the Pay Is Right

In an interview with *The New York Times*, veteran actor Morgan Freeman explained that a strong paycheck can outweigh imperfections in a screenplay. The remarks were made while promoting the third season of the Paramount+ series *Lioness*, in which he reprises Secretary of State Edwin Mullins.

Morgan Freeman will ‘overlook’ an average script if he’s paid ‘enough’ money – myTalk 107.1

Freeman, a five-time Academy Award nominee and Oscar winner for *Million Dollar Baby*, has remained active well into his late 80s. Recent projects include the *Now You See Me* sequel (2023) and the espionage thriller *Lioness* (Season 3 released on Paramount+ in early August 2025). He also announced a blues album released on August 7, 2026.

Hollywood Reporter

During the *New York Times* conversation, Freeman emphasized that an “exciting script” is ideal but not decisive. He added that he has no intention of retiring, planning to continue acting as long as he is physically able.

Express Tribune

• August 7, 2026 – Release of Freeman’s blues album, marking his first musical project in decades.

Morgan Freeman Reveals Who’ll Get the Roles He Once Wanted

• September 25, 2025 (scheduled) – Freeman appeared on stage in St. Petersburg, Florida, to promote the blues album and his upcoming performances.

“You Overlook” - Morgan Freeman Admits Money Can Outweigh a Bad Script in Hollywood

• Lioness Season 3 – Premiered on Paramount+ in early August 2025, featuring Freeman as Edwin Mullins.

Morgan Freeman Reveals Who’ll Get the Roles He Once Wanted

• “If somebody offers you a job, it’s very nice if they’re offering you also an exciting script, but in reality, two or three things come into play,” — Morgan Freeman — Morgan Freeman, actor

Variety Magazine

• “What are they going to pay you? If they’re going to pay you enough, then you overlook some of the glitches in the script,” — Morgan Freeman — Morgan Freeman, actor

Morgan Freeman Reveals Who’ll Get the Roles He Once Wanted

• “I’m like Clint Eastwood on that: Don’t let the old man in,” — Morgan Freeman — Morgan Freeman, actor

Variety Magazine

• “So, keep working. If you can get out of bed and don’t fall down when you do it, then you just count your blessings and keep moving. So, I’ll work as long as I can — as long as somebody says, ‘Do you want to do this part?’” — Morgan Freeman — Morgan Freeman, actor

Variety Magazine

• “It has to do more with the human experience, what people are actually going through, emotionally, in a lot of cases,” — Morgan Freeman — Morgan Freeman, actor

Morgan Freeman says he will ‘overlook glitches’ in script if pay is good enough

Freeman’s candid admission offers a rare glimpse into the practical calculus senior actors use when selecting projects. By acknowledging that compensation can compensate for script shortcomings, he highlights the financial realities that shape casting decisions even for marquee talent. His comments also underscore the collaborative nature of filmmaking; he suggests that script issues are often resolved through dialogue with writers and directors before production.

“You Overlook” - Morgan Freeman Admits Money Can Outweigh a Bad Script in Hollywood

Freeman’s blues album is now available, and he will continue appearing in *Lioness* and other forthcoming roles, pending future offers.

Morgan Freeman Reveals Who’ll Get the Roles He Once Wanted