[custom_adv] It's rare for actors to rake in huge salaries today, at least compared to the days when audiences were drawn to a movie primarily based on its leading star. Years ago, if a certain actor's name were attached to a movie, it was almost a guaranteed success. Stars like Will Smith, Tom Cruise, and Jim Carrey were paid big bucks in the 1990s because they attracted a crowd. [custom_adv] Now, audiences are more attracted to a franchise than a star. The Marvel Cinematic Universe, for instance, dominates the box office (to be fair, Robert Downey Jr, who played Iron Man, made bank off of those movies). [custom_adv] Business Insider ranked the highest-paid movie roles of all time. Some actors — like Smith, Johnny Depp, and Tom Hanks — appear multiple times. It's rare for actors to rake in huge salaries today, at least compared to the days when audiences were drawn to a movie primarily based on its leading star. [custom_adv] It is amazing how much actors make per film. Major Hollywood studios are prepared to pay the most popular stars whatever they want if it means the success of the film. In addition to veteran award winning actors, action stars in big budget films are likely to bring in high salaries for each film they contribute to. [custom_adv] Many actors double as producers and earn additional fees beyond their acting services. Seasoned actors often opt for “backend” profits (a percentage of what the film grosses) as well as their film salaries. This ensures they will continue to receive profits from a sure to be successful movie. Of course, most of the highest paid actors also own their own production companies and have lucrative endorsement deals. [custom_adv] The young Boston actor had a role in the classic Field of Dreams in 1989 for just $30. Less than a decade later, Affleck and his hometown friend Matt Damon wrote the script for Good Will Hunting and split the money, a total of $600.