A controversy over how much Gal Gadot was paid to be Wonder Woman sparked research into superhero pay scales:

• There are so many comic book superhero movies now that there’s an established pay structure for their stars.
• Studios hire a relatively unknown name, and make them sign a multi-film contract for “just” a few hundred thousand dollars before they even audition.
• Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman, Henry Cavill as Superman, Chris Evans as Captain America, and Chris Hemsworth as Thor all reportedly made less than $500,000 in their first costumed forays.
• Gadot would have had an especially difficult time at the negotiating table since she was just a supporting character in Batman v Superman – her first appearance in the gauntlets.
• Once the initial contract expires stars of franchises of can hope for a real payday. Robert Downey Jr. is said to have made $50 million for appearing in The Avengers.
• Given Gadot’s Wonder Woman has been so much better received than Affleck’s Batman or Cavill’s Superman, it wouldn’t be surprising if after her initial contract is up, Gadot becomes the highest paid of the trinity.

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