‘Deadpool’ Director Tim Miller Reflects on $225,000 Payday for Franchise-Launching Film

Despite earning $782 million at the box office, the 2016 superhero film paid its first-time director a modest salary for two years of work.

Tim Miller, director of the 2016 blockbuster 'Deadpool,' revealed he was paid $225,000 for his work, which spanned two years.
The film, which had a $58 million budget, grossed $782 million globally and launched a franchise now valued at $2.9 billion.
Miller expressed gratitude for the opportunity but noted Hollywood's pay structures often leave first-time directors undercompensated.
Ryan Reynolds, who starred in and co-produced the film, also took a pay cut and used part of his salary to ensure his co-writers could contribute on set.
Miller, who did not direct the sequels, voiced regret about not negotiating a share of merchandising profits, which have been a major revenue source for the franchise.