Key Highlights
- Zoe Saldana has achieved a significant milestone in her acting career.
- The actress surpassed actor Samuel L. Jackson for the second-highest-grossing actor of all time at the worldwide box office.
- Saldana’s highest-grossing films include “Avatar,” “Avengers: Endgame,” and “Guardians of the Galaxy.”
- Her latest film, “Avatar 3,” had a slow start but shows potential for long-term success in theaters.
Zoe Saldana’s Box Office Milestone
In a remarkable career milestone, actress Zoe Saldana has recently surpassed actor Samuel L. Jackson to become the second-highest-grossing actor of all time at the worldwide box office. This achievement highlights her significant impact on Hollywood and her enduring popularity in blockbuster franchises.
Second-Highest-Grossing Actor
The actress, who has starred in numerous high-profile films including “Avatar,” “Avengers: Endgame,” and “Guardians of the Galaxy,” now sits just behind Scarlett Johansson. According to data from The Numbers, Saldana’s movies have cumulatively grossed $14,998,849,825 worldwide, placing her second only to Johansson’s $15,401,507,141 in box office success.
Impact of “Avatar” Franchise
Saldana’s career has been significantly bolstered by her leading roles in the massive billion-dollar franchises like “Avatar.” The third installment in James Cameron’s epic science-fiction series, “Avatar 3,” recently opened with a slow but promising $88 million in North American theaters. While this debut was lower than expected for such a high-budget film, it’s worth noting that the “Avatar” movies have typically shown strong staying power at the box office.
As of December 28, 2025, “Avatar: The Way of Water,” which has been out since 2022, had earned $760 million internationally. This trend suggests that Saldana’s latest film could potentially continue to generate revenue in the weeks and months ahead.
Future Prospects
The slow start for “Avatar 3” might be a cause for some concern among fans, but it aligns with the typical box office pattern of the “Avatar” franchise. These films often don’t peak immediately at their opening weekends; instead, they tend to build momentum and deliver significant earnings over several weeks.
James Cameron himself has expressed uncertainty about making more “Avatar” movies, stating that he feels “done.” However, Saldana’s continued involvement in the franchise could potentially extend its box office run and cement her place as one of Hollywood’s top earners.
The success of “Avatar 3” will not only determine Saldana’s future with the franchise but also influence her career trajectory in the years to come. As a leading actress in some of the most successful films ever made, she continues to play a crucial role in shaping the entertainment landscape.