Rebel Wilson dishes out in her latest memoir "Rebel Rising" about the time she skillfully negotiated a hefty $10 million paycheck for reprising her role as Fat Amy in "Pitch Perfect 3" (via People). This lucrative deal truly underscored the stellar career Wilson had carved out for herself, especially considering she only bagged $3,500 for her breakout role in 2011's "Bridesmaids."
But hey, that initial small sum for "Bridesmaids"? Wilson shrugs it off in her writing, mentioning it didn't faze her one bit. She grabbed the opportunity, not batting an eye at the paycheck, as it was her ticket into the SAG-AFTRA union, opening up a floodgate of Hollywood possibilities. Post-"Bridesmaids," Wilson reveals she landed roles in six films, including the blockbuster "Pitch Perfect." Talk about a wise investment!
In a candid chat with The New York Times discussing her memoir, Wilson was probed about her decision to spill the beans on her earnings in the industry so far. She shared how she managed to bump up her "Pitch Perfect 3" payday to a cool $10 million, after Universal Pictures initially offered her a million less.
"Universal Studios, they're amazing, but let's face it, did they rake in the big bucks from the 'Pitch Perfect' flicks? Absolutely," Wilson quipped. "So, even though I adore everyone there, did I leverage that? You bet. I mean, at the eleventh hour, I said, 'Hey, $9 million is great, but can we make it an even 10?' It's a game-changer for an actor, especially a woman. Some women shy away from talking numbers, but guys? They're out there boasting about their $20 million paychecks per movie."
The "Pitch Perfect" trilogy catapulted Wilson to comedic stardom globally. However, her portrayal of Fat Amy intertwined her career with her body weight. During a recent chat on the "Call Her Daddy" podcast, Wilson stirred up a storm by revealing her "Pitch Perfect" contracts barred her from shedding pounds.
"You can't drop — I think it's not more than 10 pounds or pack on more than 10 pounds. You've got to maintain your weight. It's in the fine print," she revealed.
In her memoir, Wilson reveals her agency "preferred me plump because they pocketed a hefty commission for each film where I played the jolly, overweight character" (via Vanity Fair), a situation that made her feel trapped in a "multi-million dollar pigeonhole" due to her size.
As Wilson's journey unfolded, including her decision to embark on a weight-loss journey, she acknowledged to The New York Times that some fans seemed to drift away.
"Some were like, 'Oh, she's lost her funny bone,' or, 'Now she's not my cup of tea because I can't relate anymore,'" Wilson shared. "But if they delve into the book, they'll grasp my struggle with weight and health. I have a soft spot for sweets. That's my weakness. And when stressed, I found solace in food. I don't think that'll ever change."
Wilson's memoir, "Rebel Rising," is now on shelves, offering an insightful peek into her remarkable journey.
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