Entertainment
March 26, 2023 | 3:45 a.m
Shazam! Actor Djimon Hounsou says he feels cheated of money by the Hollywood industry. IMDB
“Shazam! Fury of the Gods actor Djimon Hounsou has admitted that life in Hollywood isn’t what it’s meant to be.
After more than 30 years in the industry, Hounsou revealed he was offended by Hollywood pay and said he faces challenges with money.
“I’m still struggling to make a dollar!” he said in an interview with The Guardian.
“I’ve gotten into business with some people who are doing absolutely fine and have very little of my awards. So I feel betrayed, hugely betrayed financially and also in terms of workload.”
Hounsou spoke about how he had to fight for the paycheck he felt he deserved, which was constantly being flouted.
“I have yet to prove why I need to be paid,” he told the media outlet. “They always come at me with a total low-ball, ‘We only have so much for the role, but we love you so much and we really think you can bring so much.’ … Movie after movie, it’s a Battle. I have yet to meet the film that paid me fair.”
Hounsou said he enjoyed working on Shazam! Consequence. James Veysey/Shutterstock
The 58-year-old actor expressed that he doesn’t feel supported by anyone for his performances.
He also admitted he was angry at the limited roles for black actors and opened up about how he portrayed a slave three times in five years.
“I felt seriously betrayed,” Hounsou said.
“Today we talk so much about the Oscars being so white, but I remember there was a time when I had no support at all: no support from my own people, no support from the media, from the industry myself. It felt like, ‘You should be glad you got nominated,’ and that was it.”
Hounsou played Juba in the 2000 film Gladiator opposite Russell Crowe.IMDb
Hounsou’s rise to fame began in Steve Spielberg’s film Amistad, in which he portrayed a rebellious slave.
However, Hounsou said he was overlooked by Hollywood as his co-star Anthony Hopkins received a nomination about him.
Although Hounsou was nominated for his performances in “In America” and “Blood Diamond,” starring Leonardo DiCaprio, he added that since the film follows Hounsou’s character, it was unfair that his co-star received a Best Actor nomination.
During his diversified career, Hounsou starred in Gladiator, Furious 7, Tomb Raider, Aquaman, and other action-packed films.
One film he enjoys working on is Shazam! sequel.
During his diversified career, Hounsou starred in Gladiator, Furious 7, Tomb Raider, Aquaman, and other action-packed films. IMDB
“Of everyone, the DC Universe has a certain level of respect,” he noted. “There wasn’t much to the role at first… I did it and it was fun. But the second time it was a bit more respectful.”
He believes Hollywood is slowly but surely giving him a chance and is hoping for more screen time in bigger productions.
Load More…
{{#isDisplay}} {{/isDisplay}}{{#isAniviewVideo}} {{/isAniviewVideo}}{{#isSRVideo}} {{/isSRVideo}}
https://nypost.com/2023/03/26/djimon-hounsou-slams-hollywood-feels-enorm-cheated/?utm_source=url_sitebuttons&utm_medium=site%20buttons&utm_campaign=site%20buttons
Copy the URL to share