Forbes are in the business of making us lowly pedestrians feel a whole lot better about ourselves when it comes to this Hollywood thing, what with their annual list of the biggest flops of the year, and now their list of the most overpaid actors of the year, a list whose title alone is worded in a way that makes it sounds like these poor souls really didn’t deserve all that money.
Given that you’ll probably be surprised to know that he actually released a movie this year (three, in fact!), it’s no surprise that Eddie Murphy has nabbed 1st place on this year’s list. Yes, the once unstoppable comedian took roles in A Thousand Words, Tower Heist, and Imagine That, all of which happen to be some of the worst movies of the year. I mean, what genius put motormouthed Eddie Murphy in a film where he can’t talk? Like, where not talking is the premise of the movie. “I’m looking for something with a lot less lines this time around,” presumably said Eddie Murphy (in a lazy mood). “I’ve got just the thing,” presumably replied his agent (in a money mood).
The top 10 also makes room for rom-com addict Katherine Heigl in 2nd place, an actress who has made the same film over and over again for the past 5 or 6 years, but has failed to notice that not a single incarnation of said film has been any good. Nicolas Cage makes an appearance, too, though he’s sitting pretty at 6th place, which is kind of impressive for a man who said yes to a Ghost Rider sequel. But what this list shows more than anything, is that the great comedy actors of the 90s are officially washed-up: goodbye Ben, Adam, Jack. Judd Apatow will take it from here.
Here’s the complete Top 10 (with every actor’s respective return for every dollar paid):
1. Eddie Murphy ($2.30)
2. Katherine Heigl ($3.40)
3. Reese Witherspoon ($3.90)
4. Sandra Bullock ($5)
5. Jack Black ($5.20)
6. Nicolas Cage ($6)
7. Adam Sandler ($6.30)
8. Denzel Washington ($6.30)
9. Ben Stiller ($6.50)
10. Sarah Jessica Parker ($7)
What do you think? Do any of these actors deserve better than a list like this? Let us know in the comments section below.
Source: A.V. Club