Bryce Dallas Howard recently opened up about the significant pay disparity between her and co-star Chris Pratt in the blockbuster Jurassic World trilogy. Despite both actors being the leading stars in the high-profile franchise, Howard revealed she earned “so much less” than Pratt, drawing attention to the persistent gender pay gap in Hollywood.
The Jurassic World Phenomenon: A Franchise That Redefined Blockbusters
Jurassic World is a continuation of the legendary Jurassic Park series directed by Steven Spielberg, which captivated audiences between 1993 and 2001. This new trilogy brought the awe and terror of cloned dinosaurs into a modern context, with the story centered around a fully operational dinosaur theme park. As expected, chaos ensues when science and greed collide.
The first Jurassic World film, released in 2015, shattered box office records, earning an astonishing $1.6 billion globally. At the time of its release, it became the third-highest-grossing film in history. Its massive success catapulted Bryce Dallas Howard and Chris Pratt into the limelight as the faces of the revitalized franchise.
Disparity in Pay Despite Equal Leading Roles
Howard played Claire Dearing, a determined operations manager turned dinosaur conservationist, while Pratt portrayed Owen Grady, a rugged dinosaur trainer. Although both characters were integral to the narrative, Howard revealed she was at a disadvantage when it came to her salary.
“When I started negotiating for Jurassic, it was 2014, and it was a different world,” Howard explained. “Unfortunately, you have to sign up for three movies, so your deals are set.” The actress signed her contract without knowing how monumental the franchise would become, locking her into a pay structure that did not reflect the success or her contribution to the films.
In 2018, it was reported that Howard earned $8 million for Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, while Pratt took home $10 million. However, Howard has since revealed that the gap was even larger than these figures suggest. “The reports were so interesting because I was paid so much less than the reports even said,” she shared.
Chris Pratt’s Role in Advocating for Equal Opportunities
Despite the pay gap, Howard commended her co-star Chris Pratt for taking a stand to address the inequality in other franchise-related opportunities. Pratt stepped in to ensure both actors received equal compensation for work beyond the films, such as video games and theme park attractions.
“Whenever there was an opportunity to move the needle on stuff that hadn’t been already negotiated, like a game or a ride, he literally told me, ‘You guys don’t even have to do anything. I’m gonna do all the negotiating,’” Howard recalled. “We’re gonna be paid the same, and you don’t have to think about this, Bryce.”
Howard expressed immense gratitude for Pratt’s actions, saying, “I love him so much for doing that. I really do, because I’ve been paid more for those kinds of things than I ever was for the movie.”
Expanding Her Role Beyond the Films
Howard’s contributions to the franchise extended far beyond the main trilogy. She reprised her role as Claire Dearing in several related projects, including video games like Jurassic World Evolution and Jurassic World Evolution 2, as well as theme park attractions such as Jurassic World: The Ride. These opportunities allowed Howard to build on her character’s legacy while benefiting from Pratt’s efforts to ensure fair pay.
Gender Pay Gap: A Widespread Issue in Hollywood
Howard’s experience is part of a broader conversation about the gender pay gap in the entertainment industry. A 2019 study found that female stars in Hollywood earned, on average, $2.2 million less per film than their male counterparts. Factors such as genre and individual star power were considered, but the disparity remains significant.
Other actresses have shared similar experiences. Jessica Chastain revealed that her earnings for the 2015 film The Martian were far less than reported. While early reports suggested she earned millions, Chastain clarified that she made less than a quarter of what was claimed, earning approximately $1.75 million compared to Matt Damon’s estimated $15 to $25 million paycheck.
Advocating for Change
Howard’s story sheds light on the systemic challenges women face in achieving pay equity, even in billion-dollar franchises. By speaking out and sharing her experience, Howard joins a growing list of actors calling for transparency and fairness in the industry. Her gratitude for Pratt’s allyship underscores the importance of collaboration and advocacy in addressing these issues.
As the conversation around pay disparities continues, Howard’s revelations serve as a reminder that even in the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, significant work remains to ensure equal opportunities for all.