Bryce Dallas Howard‘s performance in the Jurassic World series is continually acclaimed and beloved by fans, and many have been shocked to find out that she earned a significantly smaller paycheck in comparison to her co-star, Chris Pratt.
The Rocketman actress, 41, sat down for a new interview with Insider and discussed learning the news of her making less than Pratt while working on 2018’s Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom. After the second Jurassic World film came out, Variety reported that Howard was paid $8 million to appear in Fallen Kingdom. This, the publication noted, was $2 million less than Pratt’s reported $10 million.
Howard recently recalled seeing the reports in 2018, and told Insider, “The reports were so interesting because I was paid so much less than the reports even said, so much less.” She added, “When I started negotiating for Jurassic, it was 2014, and it was a different world, and I was at a great disadvantage.” Howard continued, “And, unfortunately, you have to sign up for three movies, and so your deals are set.”
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Unfortunately, talented actresses in major blockbusters earning less than their male counterparts is not a new concept in Hollywood. As many fans may remember, Michelle Williams discussed pay inequality after starring in 2017’s All the Money in the World, as did Evan Rachel Wood and Thandie Newton in 2018 when working on the hit HBO show, Westworld.
Thankfully in Howard’s case, Pratt actually advocated for her to earn more money upon learning that he made so much more than her in the Jurassic World trilogy. The two worked together in 3 films; including the first flick in the franchise, 2015’s Jurassic World, 2018’s Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, and the latest installment, 2022’s Jurassic World Dominion.
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The Twilight Saga alum revealed that when she did tell Pratt about the pay gap, he offered to negotiate for more money on her behalf. “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,’ ” she said. “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 and Pratt have long charmed fans with their friendship and shout-outs to each other on social media. Last month, the Guardians of the Galaxy star posted a sweet selfie on Instagram with Howard on the red carpet. In his caption, he reflected on their time together in the popular sci-fi films, writing, “It’s been 1 month since #JurassicWorldDominion hit theaters and I can’t help but think about my partner through it all.”
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He continued, “You’ve been by my side through this crazy ride for over 8 years and I wouldn’t have it any other way. 8 extraordinary years. 3 fantastic films. It’s been such an honor sharing this journey with you.” The Spider-Man 3 alum sweetly commented, “Big brother @prattprattpratt I just love you to bits” before referring to the Parks & Recreation actor as her “friend for life” and someone she’ll miss being in the “Jurassic sandbox” with.
