Deadpool Director Tim Miller Reflects on Modest Earnings from 2016 Blockbuster
Despite ‘Deadpool’ grossing over $782 million worldwide, first-time director Tim Miller reveals he earned $225,000 for two years of work on the film.
Tim Miller, who made his directorial debut with the 2016 superhero film ‘Deadpool,’ recently disclosed his earnings from the project. In an interview with Collider, Miller revealed he was paid $225,000 for directing the film, a sum he described as not particularly lucrative given the two years of effort involved. He acknowledged that while the amount might seem substantial, it pales in comparison to typical industry standards, especially considering ‘Deadpool’s’ massive box office success.
“You guys might not know, but it’s not really a profitable thing to be a first-time director in Hollywood,” Miller stated. “I got $225,000 to direct ‘Deadpool.’ I know it sounds like a lot of money, but for two years of work, that’s not a ton of money.” He expressed gratitude for the opportunity but noted that his agent pointed out he could have earned more directing an episode of ‘The Walking Dead.’
‘Deadpool,’ starring Ryan Reynolds, was produced on a budget of $58 million and went on to gross over $782 million worldwide. Despite this financial success, Miller did not receive additional compensation tied to the film’s performance or merchandising. He reflected on feeling “uniquely fortunate” to have been part of such a significant franchise but wished his contract had included a share of the merchandising profits.
Following the success of ‘Deadpool,’ a sequel was released in 2018, directed by David Leitch. After Disney’s acquisition of Fox in 2017, the Deadpool character was integrated into Marvel Studios’ Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). A third installment, ‘Deadpool & Wolverine,’ directed by Shawn Levy, was released in 2024.
Miller’s experience highlights the financial challenges that first-time directors can face in Hollywood, even when working on projects that achieve significant commercial success.
