Quick Links
Highlights
- The Ghostbusters franchise has grossed over $943 million, featuring iconic stars and successful sequels.
- The latest film, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, includes a mix of new and returning cast members, reinvigorating the series.
- Lead actors like Paul Rudd, Carrie Coon, and Dan Aykroyd earn impressive paychecks, with net worths ranging from $5 million to $250 million.
Since 1984, the Ghostbusters franchise has been a pop culture phenomenon, and its blend of supernatural thrills, zany humor, and memorable characters has been doing numbers at the box office.
The Ghostbusters franchise has grossed over $943 million at the box office, spanning multiple films and decades.
The original Ghostbusters โ which featured a star-studded cast including Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, and Sigourney Weaver โ made over $295 million worldwide.
It was followed by the successful sequel Ghostbusters II, which grossed $215 million on a $30 million production budget.
Decades later, a 2016 reboot sparked mixed reactions, but the franchise roared back with Ghostbusters: Afterlife.
And now, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire has revived the spirit-busting crew, welcoming a mix of veteran cast members and fresh faces. It is the sequel to Ghostbusters: Afterlife, and the fifth film in the Ghostbusters franchise.
The film stars Paul Rudd, Carrie Coon, Finn Wolfhard, Mckenna Grace, Celeste O'Connor, and Logan Kim, reprising their roles from Afterlife.
Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson, Annie Potts, and William Atherton are reprising their characters from the earlier films, while Kumail Nanjiani and Patton Oswalt also joined the cast.
Let's look at the net worths of the latest band of paranormal investigators, and the legends who started it all.
New On NetflixThe Cast Of Netflix's 'The Gentlemen,' Ranked By Net Worth
Guy Ritchie's 2019 film, The Gentlemen, grossed $115M globally on a $22M budget. Now, a TV spin-off brings the same vibe ... with a new cast.10 Ernie Hudson
Ernie Hudson's Net Worth (Estimated) - $5 Million
Ernie Hudson will forever be synonymous with his role as Winston Zeddemore, the pragmatic and relatable member of the original Ghostbusters team.
He reprised this role in Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, delighting fans worldwide. Hudson's career began in the 1970s, with his film debut in Leadbelly.
He has since appeared in over 40 films, which have grossed over $1.98 billion combined. As of 2024, Hudson's net worth is estimated at $5 million.
His memorable roles include Warden Leo Glynn in HBO's acclaimed drama Oz, and his turn as Solomon in The Hand That Rocks the Cradle.
Hudson's filmography reveals the actor's incredible range. From The Crow to Miss Congeniality, he tackles drama and comedy with equal skill.
Despite his impressive resume, his Ghostbusters salary is reportedly pegged at around $250,000, which is surprisingly modest, given his contribution and screen time in the franchise.
9 James Acaster
James Acaster's Net Worth (Estimated) - $5 Million
James Acaster brings a delightfully offbeat brand of humor to Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire as Lars Pinfield.
Primarily known as a stand-up comedian in the UK, he came to prominence through his award-winning Edinburgh Fringe Festival performances and his popular panel show appearances on shows like Hypothetical and Mock The Week.
Acaster's comedy style, characterized by peculiar anecdotes, observational humor, and deadpan delivery, has earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated following.
While his big screen appearances are limited, his success in the comedy world translates to a substantial net worth of $5 million.
His primary sources of income include his stand-up tours, television appearances, and likely writing projects.
2:05 Comics In CinemaThe Highest-Grossing Jack Black Movies, From King Kong To Kung Fu Panda
Jack Black, a comedic talent in Hollywood, netted over $8.9 billion in box office returns and a $50 million net worth.8 Carrie Coon
Carrie Coon's Net Worth (Estimated) - $6 Million
Carrie Coon plays Callie, a single mother and the daughter of Egon Spengler, in Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.
The Gilded Age star was reportedly paid $600,000 for the role. Her career was launched by her masterful stage performances.
While her film debut came in 2014, her breakout role was as the grief-stricken Nora Durst in HBO's supernatural drama The Leftovers.
This earned her critical praise and launched her into further high-profile projects. Her performance in Fargo earned her a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress.
In addition to her television work, Coon has appeared in several successful films, including Gone Girl, Widows, The Post, and Avengers: Infinity War, contributing to a combined global box office gross of $2.88 billion.
Coon's consistent work across stage, film, and television has built her a commendable $6 million estimated net worth.
MCU MoneyMCU Actors, Ranked By Their Biggest Marvel Paycheck
The Marvel Cinematic Universe renewed the superhero genre, and these MCU actors were paid the most for their roles.7 William Atherton
William Atherton's Net Worth (Estimated) - $5 Million
William Atherton reprises his role as the secondary antagonist, Walter Peck, in Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, injecting a familiar dose of bureaucratic frustration.
Throughout his career, Atherton has starred in over 20 films, collectively grossing over $1.47 billion at the box office.
Known for his versatility and memorable performances, Atherton came to the spotlight with starring roles in movies like The Day Of The Locust and Looking For Mr. Goodbar.
However, he is perhaps most recognized for his supporting roles in iconic films, such as Ghostbusters and Die Hard. Atherton's big break came with his role as Clovis Poplin in The Sugarland Express, directed by Steven Spielberg.
He went on to appear in significant roles, such as in the big-budget disaster film The Hindenburg.
Atherton's extensive career, including voice acting in video games like Ghostbusters: The Video Game, has contributed to his estimated net worth of $5 million.
6 Kumail Nanjiani
Kumail Nanjiani's Net Worth (Estimated) - $8 Million
Kumail Nanjiani brings his distinctive onscreen charm to Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire as a paranormal podcast host.
The Pakistani-American stand-up comedian and actor has made significant strides in Hollywood, earning a net worth of $8 million.
Nanjiani's career skyrocketed with his role as Dinesh in the critically acclaimed HBO series Silicon Valley. His big break came with the romantic comedy film The Big Sick, which he co-wrote and starred in alongside his wife, Emily V. Gordon.
The film, a fictionalized account of their real-life romance, earned critical acclaim, and an Academy Award nomination for "Best Original Screenplay."
He also starred as Kingo in the Marvel Studios superhero film Eternals, which is set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and starred as street-level con artist Haja Estree in the Disney+ miniseries Obi-Wan Kenobi.
In addition to his acting credits, Nanjiani has also appeared in the television series The Boys Presents: Diabolical and The Boys.
With over 90 acting credits to his name, Nanjiani's work has collectively grossed over $1.93 billion worldwide.
Even More MCUFrom Cult Hero To Blockbuster King: The Highest-Grossing Robert Downey Jr. Movies, Ranked
Robert Downey Jr. is Hollywood legend. With films grossing over $14 billion worldwide, his net worth stands at a $300 million.5 Annie Potts
Annie Potts' Net Worth (Estimated) - $8 Million
Over the course of four decades, Annie Potts has become an adored figure in both film and television.
Her film debut came in 1978 with Corvette Summer, earning her critical acclaim and a Golden Globe nomination.
A string of memorable roles followed, including her portrayal of Janine Melnitz in the Ghostbusters franchise, and turns in classics like Pretty in Pink and Jumpin' Jack Flash.
Potts' talent extends to television, most notably in her Emmy-nominated role as Mary Jo Shively in Designing Women. She received critical praise for her performances in Love & War and Any Day Now.
She also landed a main cast role in Young Sheldon in 2017, playing the character Connie Tucker. Her voice acting as Bo Peep in the Toy Story franchise adds to her profitable resume.
Potts has appeared in over 30 films on the big screen, which has earned a collective sum of $3.1 billion at the box office.
Her return to the Ghostbusters universe in Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire reportedly earned her a paycheck of $120,000.
As of 2024, Potts has an estimated net worth of $8 million.
4 Patton Oswalt
Patton Oswalt's Net Worth (Estimated) - $10 Million
Patton Oswalt has been around the entertainment sphere for over three decades as a comedian, actor, and writer.
His sharp wit and observational humor made him a stand-up comedy standout, followed by a successful transition into film and television.
While he made his acting debut in an episode of Seinfeld, his breakout role came as Spence Olchin in The King Of Queens.
Film audiences know him for voicing Remy in the Pixar film Ratatouille, and he consistently lends his voice acting talents to series like BoJack Horseman and M.O.D.O.K.
Oswalt's talent knows no bounds, with acclaimed performances in shows like Parks And Recreation and Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
His prolific career of over 40 films grossing $2.76 billion at the box office certainly contributes to his estimated $10 million net worth.
Patton Oswalt will portray Dr. Hubert Wartzki, a seismologist intrigued by the supernatural Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.
As a stand-up comedian, Oswalt has starred in six stand-up specials and has received accolades, such as a Primetime Emmy for "Outstanding Writing For A Variety Special," and a Grammy for "Best Comedy Album."
2:11 Speaking Of King Of QueensKevin James' Net Worth: From King Of Queens To King Of Memes
After transitioning from a club performer to a hilarious leading man, Kevin James' net worth is massive. Let's look at his journey to the top.3 Paul Rudd
Paul Rudd's Net Worth (Estimated) - $70 Million
Paul Rudd has an estimated net worth of $70 million as of 2024, earning his wealth primarily through his versatile acting career in movies, TV, and theater.
His filmography includes notable roles in films such as Knocked Up, I Love You, Man, Ghostbusters: Afterlife, and Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire. According to TheNumbers, Rudd's films have collectively earned over $10.8 billion at the box office.
He is widely recognized for his portrayal of Ant-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, beginning with Ant-Man, and continuing through Ant-Man And The Wasp: Quantumania.
Although Rudd initially received $300,000 for his role in the first Ant-Man film, royalties and backend deals increased his earnings, with reports suggesting his total income reached $1.5 million.
Moreover, Rudd earned approximately $8 million upfront for his work in Avengers: Endgame, along with a share of the backend profits.
In addition to his film career, Rudd has made notable appearances on television, including roles in Friends as Mike Hannigan, guest spots on shows like Parks And Recreation, and a Golden Globe Award-nominated performance in the comedy series Living With Yourself.
Paul Rudd reprised his role in Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire as Mr. Gary Grooberson, a summer school teacher intrigued by supernatural happenings.
Showbizgalore reports that Paul Rudd's paycheck for Frozen Empire amounts to $10 million.
2 Bill Murray
Bill Murray's Net Worth (Estimated) - $180 Million
Bill Murray's distinctive deadpan humor and unconventional approach to acting have made him a respected legend in Hollywood.
In Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, Murray graces the screen again, bringing his unparalleled charm through Dr. Peter Venkman.
His rise to stardom began on Saturday Night Live and skyrocketed with hits like Caddyshack, Meatballs, and the original Ghostbusters franchise.
He is also known for voicing Baloo in the live-action adaptation of Disney's The Jungle Book. The adventure drama grossed over $966 million worldwide, becoming his highest-grossing film.
Over a career spanning five decades, Murray has appeared in over 70 films, with a combined box office gross exceeding $5 billion.
He effortlessly navigates both comedic and dramatic landscapes, delivering unforgettable performances in films like Groundhog Day and Lost In Translation.
Despite his massive success, Murray marches to his own beat, making unpredictable career choices that contribute to his mystique.
His comedic brilliance, hit-filled filmography, and various business ventures have built an estimated net worth of $180 million.
'Lost In Translation,' Co-Starring ...Captain America, Lucy, The Avengers: The Highest-Grossing Scarlett Johansson Movies, Ranked
Scarlett Johansson is the highest-grossing box office star of all time with $15.4 billion box office total and a $165 million net worth.1 Dan Aykroyd
Dan Aykroyd's Net Worth (Estimated) - $250 Million
Dan Aykroyd reprises his role as the spirited and slightly eccentric Ray Stantz in Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.
A founding member of Saturday Night Live and co-writer of the original Ghostbusters, Aykroyd is a multi-faceted talent who revolutionized comedy.
His breakout SNL characters and his unforgettable performance as Ray Stantz remain memorable for fans of the show, and Dan Aykroyd has an estimated net worth of $250 million.
Aykroyd rose to prominence for writing and starring as Dr. Raymond Stantz in the first Ghostbusters film and Ghostbusters II, and has reprised his role in various projects within the Ghostbusters franchise.
For his performance in the first installment, Aykroyd agreed to receive 30 percent of the movie's gross revenues, ultimately totaling $75 million.
For the sequel, Aykroyd received an upfront salary of $6 million, along with a generous percentage of the film's gross, amounting to $50 million โ after it grossed $215 million worldwide.
He is also known for his comedic roles in Trading Places, Spies Like Us, Dragnet, and Coneheads. Aykroyd is also a businessman; in 2007, he launched Crystal Head Vodka, a vodka company, for $600,000.
By 2011, the company was bringing in over $55 million in annual revenue. As of 2024, Crystal Head Vodka's annual revenue tops $100 million.
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7tbTEq6CcoJWowW%2BvzqZmoKCfqMGjwdKtnKurXZu%2FsMbEp2SepaCev6Z5wpqqrWWemsFuw86rq6Fn