Bradley Cooper's high salary demands are posing a significant obstacle to the production of a fourth 'Hangover' movie, leaving cast members and crew members concerned about the film's fate.
- Aug 6, 2024
AceShowbiz - Hollywood star Bradley Cooper is eager for a massive payday for his return to "The Hangover" franchise, but his $20 million demand has left costars and producers wary about the feasibility of the project.
With the original "Hangover" trilogy grossing over $1.4 billion worldwide, it's no wonder that Cooper, who rose to superstardom thanks to the franchise, is eyeing a hefty paycheck for revisiting his breakout role.
An insider divulges, "He is highly respected and his public willingness to return to the franchise that made him a superstar is a big deal for Warner Bros. and for Bradley's pals in the cast and on the crew."
However, financial concerns loom large over the potential fourth installment. "The issue was, is and continues to be around salaries and budget," says the source. "Does a $90 million Hangover 4 make sense? Yes. Does a $175 million Hangover 4 make sense - no way in hell."
In the last "Hangover" film, released in 2013, Cooper, Ed Helms, and Zach Galifianakis each earned over $15 million. Given the time that has passed, it's only reasonable that the actors expect raises.
The escalating demands aren't exclusive to "The Hangover" cast. Hollywood actors are commanding ever-higher salaries; Joaquin Phoenix secured $20 million for "The Joker 2", Leonardo DiCaprio demanded $30 million for "Killers of the Flower Moon", and Tom Cruise took home a staggering $100 million from "Top Gun: Maverick".
"Suddenly this becomes a very expensive proposition," the source adds, "especially for an R-rated comedy in 2025."
Bradley Cooper's track record in deal-making could be crucial. He previously gambled on the success of "A Star Is Born" by opting to receive a large share of box office and streaming earnings instead of a sizable upfront fee. With a net worth now upwards of $120 million, the "Maestro" star certainly has the financial acumen to navigate complex deals. Nevertheless, ensuring the profitability of "Hangover 4" hinges on overcoming significant financial hurdles and securing a top-notch script.
The insider concludes, "These sound like simple obstacles, but they're not. Bradley has his eye on the prize, which is another eight-figure payday, but I'm not sure he has the roadmap yet for exactly how to get there."
