Marvel Star Reveals He's 'Struggling Financially to Make a Living'

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You'd think starring in major Marvel and DC movies would set you up for life, right? Not quite, according to Djimon Hounsou.

In a candid interview with CNN on Sunday, January 12, the 60-year-old Guardians of the Galaxy actor shared that despite his success, making ends meet remains a battle.

(L-R) Actors Lee Pace, Djimon Hounsou, Karen Gillan and Michael Rooker speak onstage at Marvel Studios "Guardians of the Galaxy" during Comic-Con International 2013 at San Diego Convention Center on July 20, 2013 in San... (L-R) Actors Lee Pace, Djimon Hounsou, Karen Gillan and Michael Rooker speak onstage at Marvel Studios "Guardians of the Galaxy" during Comic-Con International 2013 at San Diego Convention Center on July 20, 2013 in San Diego, California. Fast forward to January 2025, Djimon Hounsou shared that despite his success, making ends meet remains a battle. More Kevin Winter

"I'm still struggling to make a living," Hounsou revealed, adding that he feels "definitely underpaid" despite a career spanning over three decades.

Fans have seen Hounsou shine in films like In America (2002), which earned him his first Oscar nomination, and Blood Diamond (2006), which secured his second. Yet, the big-budget roles haven't translated into financial security.

"After 30 years...maybe the first 10 years was trying to acclimate myself to the industry, to establish myself," he explained. "But I've been in this business making films now for over two decades and with two Oscar nominations and been in many blockbuster films, and yet, I'm still struggling financially to make a living."

The Shazam! icon also reflected on the challenges of systemic racism in Hollywood, saying, "It's so deeply inserted in so many things we do across the board. You don't overcome it. You just sort of have to cope with it and survive the best way you can."

Previously in 2023, Hounsou voiced similar concerns to The Guardian, discussing how he's frequently lowballed with offers. "They always come at me with a complete low ball: 'We only have this much for the role, but we love you so much and we really think you can bring so much,'" he shared at the time. "Film after film, it's a struggle. I have yet to meet the film that paid me fairly."

The Netflix star isn't the only actor to open up about financial struggles despite being in recognizable projects. Last March, Euphoria's Nika King shared her own challenges, joking during a stand-up show, "People are like, 'We need season three,' and I'm like, 'B*tch, I need season 3. I haven't paid my rent in six months.'"