Zoe Saldaña’s Earnings from the Avatar Films: A Look Back at Her 16-Year Journey with the Franchise
Zoe Saldaña in ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ (2025).
Credit: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic; 20th Century Studios
NEED TO KNOW
- In January 2026, Zoe Saldaña became the highest-grossing actor of all time at the global box office.
- She has starred in all three Avatar movies since the franchise launched in December 2009.
- Saldaña describes her experience in the Avatar universe as “a gift.”
Avatar: Fire and Ash has made a significant impact since its release in December 2025, further showcasing the success of the beloved franchise.
With the film performing exceptionally well, Zoe Saldaña has officially become the highest-grossing actor in box office history. According to data from The Numbers, Saldaña’s films account for a staggering estimated total of over $15.4 billion globally.
Her rise to the top is attributed not just to her role as Neytiri in the Avatar series, but also her performances in major franchises such as Star Trek, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Avengers.
Saldaña stands out as one of the few actors to feature in three of the highest-grossing films of all time, including Avatar, Avatar: The Way of Water, and Avengers: Endgame.
Expressing her gratitude, Saldaña has referred to her involvement in the Avatar series as a “gift” and plans to continue her journey in the franchise, having signed on for Avatar 4 and Avatar 5. In an Instagram video posted on January 13, she shared her “sincerest gratitude for the extraordinary journey” that has culminated in her remarkable career milestone.
“An achievement made possible entirely, entirely by the incredible franchises and the collaborators that I have been fortunate enough to be a part of,” she commented.
How Many Avatar Movies Has Zoe Saldaña Starred In?
‘Avatar’ (2009).
Twentieth Century Fox
Saldaña has portrayed Neytiri in all three films of the Avatar franchise: Avatar (2009), Avatar: The Way of Water (2022), and Avatar: Fire and Ash (2025).
In a February 2025 interview with Deadline, she confirmed her commitment to returning for the next two sequels, Avatar 4 and Avatar 5.
“It’s a gift to revisit a character that has given me so much,” Saldaña remarked. “To revisit a place that has been so magical, not just for me, but for so many people in the world.”
She added, “We’re talking about communities in the Amazon that felt represented in the stories Jim [Cameron] conveyed. That’s beautiful to be part of something so impactful.”
How Much Have the Avatar Movies Made?
‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ (2025).
20th Century Studios
The three Avatar films have grossed a combined total exceeding $6.3 billion worldwide, according to a January 2026 press release from Walt Disney Studios.
This figure is expected to rise as Avatar: Fire and Ash continues its successful run, having surpassed the $1 billion mark within weeks of its release.
While Avatar: Fire and Ash marks another successful venture for director James Cameron, the original Avatar holds its position as the highest-grossing film of all time, earning $2.9 billion globally.
What Has Zoe Saldaña Made From the Avatar Franchise?
‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ (2022).
20th Century Studios
Details regarding Saldaña’s salary for the Avatar films have not been disclosed.
However, when she and co-star Sam Worthington agreed to reprise their roles in 2014, it was reported that they received contracts similar to their previous agreements.
Initially, when Saldaña and Worthington first signed on for Avatar, they had already negotiated for potential sequels.
James Cameron notably stated, “If we make money, I guarantee there will be more. If we don’t, we’ll pretend it never happened.”
What Has Zoe Saldaña Said About Continuing the Avatar Franchise?
Zoe Saldaña at the world premiere of ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ in Hollywood on December 1, 2025.
Rodin Eckenroth/Getty
Plans for Avatar 4 and Avatar 5 include Saldaña reprising her role.
Some footage for Avatar 4 has already been filmed alongside Avatar: The Way of Water and Avatar: Fire and Ash. As the cast awaits news on when they will return to the world of Pandora, Saldaña has expressed her eagerness for Cameron’s direction.
“As long as the fans keep connecting to this, and they keep wanting it to come back, then we will continue to do that,” she said in a December 2025 interview with Entertainment Tonight. “With, obviously, the support of Disney.”
Saldaña remains committed to the next two sequels, with Avatar 4 slated for release in December 2029 and Avatar 5 in December 2031.
On January 13, she expressed gratitude to Cameron for “believing [in] my potential” and acknowledged the impact of her journey within the franchise.
