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Morgan Freeman’s narration played a significant role in takingThe Shawshank Redemptionto millions of viewers over the years. However, he was paid very modestly at the time for his role as Ellis Boyd Redding, reportedly less than half a million. The film had a low budget of $25 million and did not manage to recoup the budget in theaters.
However, the film made a strong comeback after its Oscar nomination in 1995, making considerable money from re-release and rental video release. Interestingly, Freeman and Tim Robbins are likely still earning residuals from the film, considering what Bob Gunton, who played the antagonist, revealed about hisShawshankincome.
Not Morgan Freeman, But AnotherShawshank RedemptionActor Earned Millions In Residuals
Morgan Freeman‘sThe Shawshank Redemptionwas considered a box office flop, grossing only $18 million at the time. The Academy recognition allowed Warner Bros. to re-release the film and reportedly earn an additional $10 million in revenue (via Box Office Mojo). The re-release boosted the video sales of the film, earning $80 million in sales (via Business Insider).
“He never says action, and he never says cut”: Morgan Freeman Had to Beg Clint Eastwood to Direct 1 Movie Starring Matt Damon
Bob Gunton, who played prison warden Samuel Norton, shared with theWall Street Journalin 2014 that the film was earning“a very substantial income”for him. According toShowbiz Galore, the actor was initially paid a salary of $120,000. Gunton shared that he got a steady income from the film that amounted to“six figures by the film’s 10th anniversary in 2004.”
Gunton also gave a hint of whether he is still being paid today. He shared at the time,“I suspect my daughter, years from now, will still be getting checks.”Warner Bros. Home Entertainment exec Jeff Baker toldWSJthat the film was an“incredible moneymaking asset”.
Gunton’s substantial income even decades later is a rare scenario for any film, but it also raises the question of how much Freeman andTim Robbinsare making from the film. Interestingly, theDriving Miss Daisyactor was paid a modest salary of $300,000 for the film, despite his status as an Oscar-winning actor.
Robbins, on the other hand, was starring in low-budget films at the time but was reportedly paid half a million forThe Shawshank Redemption. Both these actors could potentially earn millions in residuals based on Gunton’s revelation.
Why DidThe Shawshank RedemptionFail In Theaters?
The Shawshank Redemptionhas a special place in the hearts of movie lovers. But upon release, theFrank Darabontfilm was considered as just another prison drama, a genre that was declining in popularity at the time. But the movie explored morecomplex themes, including friendship and hope.
Tim Robbins once described the film as“a uniquely non-sexual love story between two men”(via IMDB). The name of the film also confused audiences. Although thename of Stephen King’s novella was edited outto avoid people confusing it as a biopic, the confusion remained. The film also had a strong competition that year.
“We’ve been trying to do it but…”: Morgan Freeman’s Failing Health is Why David Fincher Couldn’t Do a Sci-fi Epic That Went to Denis Villeneuve
Tom Hank‘s Oscar-winning film,Forrest Gump, even ruined the award chances of this film. Interestingly, Hanks was considered for the role of Andy Dufresne at one point.Quentin Tarantino’sPulp Fictionwas also another classic that was released alongside this film.
The Shawshank Redemptionis now available for streaming on TBS.
Hashim Asraff
Senior Writer
Articles Published :3017
Hashim Asraff is a Senior Entertainment Writer at FandomWire, with over 2,800 articles published on celebrity culture, comic book movies, and major TV franchises. With a background in Sociology and a keen interest in pop culture, Hashim brings a unique lens to breaking news stories, character deep-dives, film rankings, and fan-driven perspectives.His coverage often includes the MCU, DCU, hit network shows, and celebrity profiles, giving readers a rich blend of entertainment and analysis. A longtime fan of crime and investigative series, Hashim has watched thousands of episodes of NCIS, Criminal Minds, Law & Order: SVU, Bones, Blue Bloods, and The RookieA passionate storyteller and wordsmith, Hashim has also worked as a ghostwriter and managed multiple social media handles. He brought his writing expertise to FandomWire to also pursue his lifelong love for cinema and television.
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Morgan FreemanThe Shawshank RedemptionTim Robbins
