Tim Miller, the director of the 2016 superhero blockbuster Deadpool, has shared a surprising revelation about his pay for the film that catapulted him to fame. Despite the movie’s overwhelming success, earning over $782 million (£624 million) globally, Miller’s earnings as a first-time feature film director were far from what many might expect.
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A Blockbuster Success for Marvel
Deadpool, starring Ryan Reynolds, was a groundbreaking entry in the Marvel cinematic universe. With its unique blend of irreverent humor, meta-commentary, and R-rated action, the film became a cultural phenomenon. Its success paved the way for two sequels: Deadpool 2 in 2018 and Deadpool vs Wolverine in 2024. The latter set records, grossing $205 million (£160 million) at the US box office during its opening weekend, making it the highest-grossing debut for an R-rated film.
Miller, however, only directed the first installment. His other notable credits include the Netflix anthology series Love, Death & Robots and the sci-fi feature Terminator: Dark Fate. Reflecting on his experience with Deadpool, Miller revealed to Collider the exact amount he was paid for two years of work: $225,000 (£179,550).
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A Humble Start in Hollywood
“You guys might not know, but it’s not really a profitable thing to be a first-time director in Hollywood,” Miller said. “I got $225,000 to direct Deadpool.” While acknowledging that the sum may sound substantial to some, he added, “For two years of work, that’s not a ton of money.”
Miller’s agent reportedly pointed out the discrepancy, saying, “Dude, you make more on an episode of The Walking Dead!” Nonetheless, Miller expressed gratitude for the opportunity, emphasizing that the experience was invaluable. “I’m f***ing grateful, that’s the way it is because you’re supposed to when you’re a first-time director,” he said.
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Reflections on Franchise Success
Despite stepping away from the franchise after the first film, Miller looks back fondly on his involvement in the Deadpool universe. He did, however, humorously lament missing out on additional revenue streams. “I wish my director deals had a piece of the merchandising so that I could get some money from all of that,” he joked.
The franchise continued with Deadpool 2, directed by David Leitch, and Deadpool vs Wolverine, directed by Shawn Levy. The third installment, which introduced Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, was particularly notable due to Disney’s acquisition of Fox in 2019. While the film delighted fans, critics offered mixed reviews. The Independent’s TV critic Clarisse Loughrey described it as “a tedious and annoying corporate merger of a film,” though she acknowledged Reynolds’ commitment to the character as a standout feature.
A Career-Shaping Experience
For Tim Miller, Deadpool represented a transformative moment in his career. The film’s success not only cemented his place in Hollywood but also highlighted the challenges faced by first-time directors. Miller’s story serves as a reminder of the grit and gratitude required to navigate the film industry, even amid blockbuster success.
