Zoe Saldana Becomes Hollywood’s Highest-Grossing Actor in 2026

Zoe Saldaña has become the highest-grossing actor in 2026, surpassing contemporaries Samuel L. Jackson and Scarlett Johansson. This is a historic event for Hollywood’s global box office landscape.

The milestone was achieved in early January 2026, following the ongoing box-office success of Avatar: Fire and Ash, the third film in James Cameron’s Avatar franchise. According to Variety, Avatar: Fire and Ash has earned over $1.23 billion worldwide.

Saldaña’s ascent to the top of the box office charts is evidence of her enduring presence in some of the most popular film franchises in history.

So far, Avatar (2009), Avengers: Endgame (2019), and Avatar: The Way of Water (2022) are three of the five highest-grossing movies of all time. Also, she is one of the few actors to have appeared in all three.

Her reputation has only been strengthened by the most recent Avatar sequel. Variety reports that she is the first female actor to star in four movies that have earned more than $2 billion worldwide.

Industry analysts noted that Saldaña’s diverse portfolio has increased her global appeal. She appeared in the Star Trek reboot trilogy and played Gamora in the Guardians of the Galaxy movies. All these are in addition to her roles in the Avatar series.

Scarlett Johansson momentarily held the top position following the success of Jurassic World Rebirth in 2025. However, Saldaña’s latest ascent, supported by Avatar: Fire and Ash, put her at the top of box office achievers, surpassing Johansson’s lifetime total.

The milestone coincides with Saldaña’s commercial and critical success. She received attention and accolades in 2025, including an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Emilia Pérez, solidifying her reputation as a recognized performer and box office attraction.

Saldaña’s rise to the top of the list is widely regarded as a historic accomplishment. It indicates both her career in the industry and her role in some of the most cherished movie franchises.

Saldaña’s rise to the top of the list indicates both her career in the industry and her role in some of the most cherished movie franchises. Industry experts believe she may break her record in the coming years, as further Avatar sequels are being developed.