Zoe Saldaña has officially surpassed Scarlett Johansson to become the highest-grossing actress globally, thanks in large part to the massive success of Avatar: Fire and Ash, the latest instalment in James Cameron’s blockbuster franchise.
According to The Numbers, Saldaña’s cumulative box office gross, including the latest Avatar film, now approaches $17 billion, edging out Johansson, whose total stands just under $16.5 billion—a gap of roughly $423 million. Industry analysts note that this margin is expected to grow as Avatar: Fire and Ash continues its theatrical run.
James Cameron’s third Avatar entry has already earned $342 million domestically and $888 million internationally, totaling around $1.2 billion worldwide. This adds to Saldaña’s previous appearances in the franchise, including the original Avatar (2009) and Avatar: The Way of Water (2022).
Saldaña’s career spans multiple high-profile franchises beyond Avatar. She starred as Gamora in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, appearing in Guardians of the Galaxy (2014), Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017), Avengers: Infinity War (2018), and Avengers: Endgame (2019). She also played Neytiri in the Avatar films and featured in Star Trek (2009) and its sequels.
Throughout her career, Saldaña has received numerous accolades, including a Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actress for Guardians of the Galaxy and multiple nominations for the NAACP Image Awards.
By contrast, Scarlett Johansson’s recent blockbuster, Jurassic World Rebirth (July 2025), earned $869 million globally, a strong showing but still below the current haul of the Avatar franchise. Johansson has projects lined up, including The Batman Part II slated for 2027, which could narrow the gap.
Film analysts emphasize that while box office totals matter, both actresses continue to be recognized for their talent and impact on global cinema. “Zoe Saldaña’s versatility across sci-fi and action franchises, combined with consistent audience appeal, has cemented her as one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars,” a source told News.Az.
As Avatar: Fire and Ash climbs further, the global spotlight remains on Saldaña, highlighting the enduring power of blockbuster franchises to shape industry records and redefine career milestones.
