The gender pay gap in Hollywood has been a hot topic for years, and it’s not just a problem of the past. Even in blockbuster franchises like Jurassic World, where the stakes are high and the stars shine bright, disparities in pay still exist. Bryce Dallas Howard, a leading actress in the Jurassic World trilogy, recently revealed that she was paid significantly less than her co-star Chris Pratt for Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom. This revelation sheds light on the persistent issue of unequal pay in the film industry, sparking conversations about fairness and equity.
A Shocking Revelation: Howard’s Pay in Jurassic World
Bryce Dallas Howard and Chris Pratt starred together in all three Jurassic World movies, including the latest installment, Jurassic World: Dominion. Despite their equal billing and shared screen time, Howard was paid “so much less” than Pratt for Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom.
In a 2018 report by Variety, it was suggested that Howard earned $8 million, which was already $2 million less than Pratt’s $10 million paycheck for the same film. However, Howard recently disclosed in an interview with Insider that she was actually paid even less than the reported $8 million.
Negotiating in a Different World
Howard’s lower pay stems from the fact that she negotiated her contract back in 2014, a time when the industry was even less transparent about pay discrepancies. “When I started negotiating for Jurassic, it was 2014, and it was a different world, and I was at a great disadvantage,” she explained. This was a period before movements like #MeToo and Time’s Up gained momentum, which later brought more attention to issues of gender inequality in Hollywood.
The Three-Movie Deal Trap
One of the challenges Howard faced was the nature of her contract, which locked her into a three-movie deal. “Unfortunately, you have to sign up for three movies, and so your deals are set,” she said. This meant that her pay was predetermined from the outset, leaving little room for renegotiation despite the success of the first Jurassic World film.
Chris Pratt’s Role in Fighting for Equal Pay
While the pay disparity between Howard and Pratt is stark, the story also highlights the importance of allyship in the fight for equal pay. According to Howard, when she brought up the issue of unequal pay with Pratt, he took it upon himself to ensure that she was compensated fairly in other franchise-related opportunities.
Leveling the Playing Field in Spin-Offs
Pratt’s support extended beyond the main films to other franchise opportunities, such as spin-off video games and amusement park rides. These opportunities were not originally included in their contracts, giving Pratt a chance to advocate for equal pay on these projects. “What I will say is that Chris and I have discussed it, and 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. We’re gonna be paid the same, and you don’t have to think about this, Bryce,’” Howard recalled.
The Impact of Pratt’s Advocacy
Thanks to Pratt’s efforts, Howard ended up earning more from these additional opportunities than she did from the films themselves. “And 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,” Howard said. This shows how critical it is for those in positions of power, like Pratt, to use their influence to advocate for fairness and equality.
The Ongoing Fight for Equal Pay in Hollywood
Bryce Dallas Howard’s story is just one example of the ongoing struggle for equal pay in Hollywood. Over the years, several high-profile actresses have spoken out against the gender pay gap, including Michelle Williams, Patricia Arquette, Jennifer Lawrence, Taraji P. Henson, and Amy Schumer. These women have been vocal in advocating for equity, calling attention to the systemic issues that have long plagued the industry.
The Role of Public Awareness and Movements
The increased awareness of pay discrepancies, fueled by movements like #MeToo and Time’s Up, has led to some progress in addressing these inequalities. However, there is still a long way to go. Hollywood, like many other industries, needs to continue to push for transparency and fairness in how talent is compensated.
Why Equal Pay Matters
The fight for equal pay is about more than just money; it’s about respect, recognition, and the value placed on talent, regardless of gender. When actors like Bryce Dallas Howard are paid less than their male counterparts for doing the same work, it sends a message that their contributions are less valuable. This not only affects the individual but also perpetuates a culture of inequality in the industry.
The Future of Equal Pay in Hollywood
As more actors and advocates bring attention to the gender pay gap, there is hope that the industry will continue to evolve. Equal pay isn’t just a matter of fairness—it’s a fundamental issue of justice. By addressing these disparities, Hollywood can set an example for other industries and contribute to a more equitable world.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
Bryce Dallas Howard’s experience with unequal pay in the Jurassic World franchise is a reminder that the fight for gender equality is far from over. It’s crucial for those in the industry to continue to speak out, support one another, and advocate for change. With the support of allies like Chris Pratt and the ongoing efforts of courageous women across Hollywood, there is hope that the gender pay gap will one day be a thing of the past. Until then, the conversation must continue, and the fight for equal pay must remain a priority.
