Zoe Saldana Rises to No. 2 Box Office Star with ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’

Zoe Saldaña has reached a significant career milestone, becoming the second-highest-grossing actor in box office history. This achievement follows the success of her latest film, “Avatar: Fire and Ash.”
Zoe Saldaña Rises to No. 2 Box Office Star
Saldaña’s movies have collectively generated approximately $14.99 billion globally. This remarkable figure positions her just behind Scarlett Johansson, whose films have grossed about $15.40 billion. Samuel L. Jackson, previously in the second position, now ranks third with total earnings of around $14.61 billion.
Major Box Office Contributions
Saldaña’s rise in box office rankings largely stems from her roles in blockbuster franchises. Key films contributing to her success include:
- Avatar
- Avengers: Endgame
- Avatar: The Way of Water
- Avengers: Infinity War
- Guardians of the Galaxy series
- Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
- Star Trek reboot series
Impact of “Avatar: Fire and Ash”
The third installment of the acclaimed Avatar series, “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” debuted with $88 million in North America, signaling a promising start despite its underwhelming opening compared to its predecessors. Historically, “Avatar” films tend to maintain a strong presence in theaters over a longer period.
As of December 28, the film has grossed $760 million internationally. This trend reflects the franchise’s capability to thrive in the box office landscape.
Franchise Success History
The original “Avatar,” released in 2009, continues to hold the record as the highest-grossing film globally. It earned nearly $785 million domestically and over $2.9 billion worldwide. Its successor, “Avatar: The Way of Water,” amassed $688 million in the U.S. and approximately $2.3 billion globally.
James Cameron, the franchise’s director, has expressed uncertainty about future projects, suggesting he feels “done” with the series.
Top Highest-Paid Actors of 2024
In terms of earnings, Forbes lists the highest-paid actors for 2024. The top three include:
- Dwayne Johnson
- Ryan Reynolds
- Kevin Hart
Scarlett Johansson also made the list, ranking at No. 19.
As Zoe Saldaña continues to achieve new heights in her career, her status as a leading actress in Hollywood is firmly established.




