Zoe Saldaña is on the cusp of making cinematic history, positioned to become the highest-grossing actress of all time following the release of the latest Avatar film. The star's remarkable box office tally has surged, placing her directly behind current record-holder Scarlett Johansson in a stunning financial ascent.
The Box Office Numbers Behind The Record
According to data from the industry site The Numbers, Zoe Saldaña's global box office earnings have now reached a staggering $14,998,849,825 (approximately £11.16 billion). This monumental sum, accrued through her roles in major franchises, places her as the second highest-grossing actress worldwide. She trails only Scarlett Johansson, whose films—including The Avengers and Black Widow—have collectively grossed $15,401,507,141 (around £11.46 billion).
In a significant milestone, Saldaña has also overtaken legendary actor Samuel L. Jackson, whose filmography total stands at $14,613,700,731 (£10.88 billion). It is crucial to note that these figures represent the total box office revenue of the films the actors have appeared in, not their personal earnings or net worth. Forbes reported that Arnold Schwarzenegger held the title of the richest actor in 2025, achieving billionaire status.
The Franchise Power Driving The Success
Saldaña's extraordinary financial footprint is powered by her pivotal roles in some of the most lucrative film series in history. Her filmography reads like a list of modern blockbuster titans, including:
- Avatar (2009) and Avatar: The Way of Water (2022)
- Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame
- The Guardians of the Galaxy series
- Star Trek reboot and Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
The recent release, Avatar: Fire and Ash, directed by James Cameron, has been the primary catalyst for her climb up the rankings. Metro's review awarded the film three out of five stars, noting its "gargantuan runtimes" but acknowledging its box office pull. The first Avatar film and its 2022 sequel remain the first and third highest-grossing movies of all time, respectively.
The Future of Avatar and Saldaña's Legacy
The journey is far from over for Saldaña's record-breaking trajectory. With two more confirmed Avatar films in the pipeline, her global earnings are almost certain to grow. The actress recently reflected on her long-term commitment to the franchise in an interview with Deadline's The Actor's Side.
"I think, if all goes to plan, I'm going to be 53, 54 for the fifth and very last one," she stated. Responding to the host's amazement at her 26-year dedication, she added, "It's a gift to be able to revisit a character that has given me so much... for so many people around the world."
The release schedule supports her projection. Avatar 4 is slated for December 21, 2029, when Saldaña will be 51. Avatar 5 is currently scheduled for December 19, 2031—22 years after the original film's debut—at which point she will be 53. This enduring partnership with Cameron's epic saga solidifies her unique position in film history, not just as a performer but as a central figure in a generation-defining cinematic phenomenon.
