Tim Miller, the director of the hit superhero film Deadpool, recently opened up about his earnings during his tenure on the 2016 blockbuster. Despite the film’s massive success and the notoriety it brought him, Miller revealed some harsh realities about being a first-time director.
According to Miller, his earnings for directing Deadpool amounted to $225,000 for two years of work. "I know it’s not a ton of money for two years of work," he lamented in his candid remarks. While he acknowledges the amount may seem considerable to some, Miller highlighted the challenges first-time directors face when it actually hits their bank accounts. He shared these insights during an interview with Deadline.
"You might not know, but it’s not really profitable to be a first-time director in Hollywood," Miller stated. He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, yet felt compelled to share his experience to shed light on the financial realities newcomers face within the industry. "My agent said ‘Dude, you make more on an episode of The Walking Dead!’" he recalled, emphasizing the stark difference between television and film earnings.
Despite his financial grievances, Miller considers himself fortunate to have been part of such a beloved franchise. The original Deadpool was not only critically acclaimed but also raked in over $782 million at the global box office, making it the highest-grossing R-rated film at the time. "I’m fucking grateful, that's the way it is because you’re supposed to when you’re a first-time director," he added defensively, reaffirming his appreciation for the launchpad the film provided for his career.
Though Deadpool was his debut, Miller’s contributions established the groundwork for future films within the franchise. A sequel came out two years later, and another follow-up, directed by Shawn Levy, is scheduled for release in 2024. The character’s transition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) after Disney’s purchase of Fox has also expanded the scope of the franchise.
Reflecting on his experience, Miller's sentiments extend beyond mere financial compensation. He voiced his hopes for directors to secure more favorable deals concerning merchandising rights. "I wish my director deals had a piece of the merchandising so I could get some money from all of it," he said, recognizing the immense commercial potential of franchises like Deadpool.
Miller's story resonates as it reflects not only personal challenges in the entertainment industry but also larger trends affecting creative professionals. While Deadpool cemented his status as an established director, it also served as a case study for the inequities facing new talent trying to break through the Hollywood system.
With the release of the third Deadpool film on the horizon, Miller's insights offer a compelling glimpse behind the curtain of filmmaking, spotlighting the often-overlooked financial struggles creatives endure. His experiences raise important questions about the valuation of creative talent and the systems within which they operate.
