‘Deadpool’ Director Tim Miller Says He Got Paid $225,000 For ‘Two Years of Work’ on the Film; His Agent Told Him: ‘Dude, You Make More’ on a ‘Walking Dead’ Episode!

As a movie critic with a keen eye for behind-the-scenes drama, I can’t help but feel a pang of empathy for Tim Miller, the director who gave us the riotous, boundary-pushing Deadpool. His tale is a classic example of Hollywood’s double-edged sword – while he was instrumental in launching a mega-franchise and creating a cultural phenomenon, his financial rewards were far from commensurate with his contribution.

Tim Miller, who directed “Deadpool,” shared with Collider that he regrets not having a share in the film’s merchandise earnings, as this could have meant a substantial increase in his income from the 2016 blockbuster superhero movie that kick-started Ryan Reynolds’ mega-franchise. Unfortunately, Miller did not return to direct “Deadpool 2” or any subsequent “Deadpool” or “Wolverine” films. The original “Deadpool” film was his debut in feature film direction, and it grossed a remarkable $782 million at the global box office.

As a budding director myself, I recently learned that taking the helm as a first-timer in Hollywood isn’t always a financially rewarding journey, let me explain. When I was given the opportunity to direct ‘Deadpool’, I received $225,000 for my efforts. While that may sound like a substantial amount, when you consider two years of dedicated work, it’s not as generous as one might think.

To set the record straight, I’m deeply appreciative, truly grateful in fact, given my new role as a first-time director. You see, it’s only natural to feel this way when you find yourself in such a position. My agent put it into perspective for me: ‘Listen, you earn more per episode on “The Walking Dead!”‘ This certainly adds fuel to my gratitude.

David Leitch assumed the director role for “Deadpool 2” in 2018, a position previously held by Tim Miller. This film, starring Ryan Reynolds, made $785 million globally at the box office, matching Miller’s initial entry’s success. Shawn Levy was responsible for this year’s “Deadpool & Wolverine,” marking Reynolds’ debut in Disney’s Marvel Cinematic Universe. This movie grossed a staggering $1.3 billion worldwide, breaking the record for highest-grossing R-rated film ever made. In contrast, Miller moved on to direct “Terminator: Dark Fate” and executive produce Paramount’s successful “Sonic the Hedgehog” series.

Miller expressed to Collider that he takes nothing but pride in the first “Deadpool” movie, noting that he believes the numerous Deadpool action figures on display at conventions like CCXP wouldn’t exist without their initial film. He feels incredibly fortunate to have been a part of it. Moreover, he wishes his director contracts included a share of the merchandising revenue, so he could profit from all those items as well.

Earlier in the conversation, he shared with the media: “Many people seem to believe that everyone in Hollywood is earning millions upon millions. However, this isn’t always true. I don’t want it to sound like I wasn’t grateful for what I had, because at 50, I finally got the opportunity to direct ‘Deadpool.’ Frankly, I never thought I’d get a chance to direct a movie despite wanting to do so my entire life.

The “Deadpool” franchise is available to stream in its entirety on Disney+.

2024-12-26 20:16

‘Deadpool’ Director Tim Miller Says He Got Paid $225,000 For ‘Two Years of Work’ on the Film; His Agent Told Him: ‘Dude, You Make More’ on a ‘Walking Dead’ Episode!

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