Acclaimed actor Djimon Hounsou, whose impressive filmography spans Marvel, DC, Netflix, and countless other productions, recently revealed a disheartening truth: he continues to face financial struggles in Hollywood. Despite two Oscar nominations for Best Supporting Actor (for In America and Blood Diamond) and a career filled with blockbuster appearances, Hounsou told CNN that he is significantly underpaid. "I’m still struggling to make a living," he stated. "I’ve been in this business making films now for over two decades with two Oscar nominations, been in many blockbuster films, and yet, I’m still struggling financially. I'm definitely underpaid."

Hounsou, a Black actor from Benin, also addressed the impact of racism and xenophobia on his career. He recounted experiences where studios perceived him as a newcomer, even after established roles. "I’ve gone to studios for meetings and they’re like, ‘Wow, we felt like you just got off the boat and then went back [after Amistad]. We didn’t know you were here as a true actor,’" he shared. "When you hear things like that, you can see that some people’s vision of you, or what you represent, is very limiting. But it is what it is. It’s up to me to redeem that."

His recent projects include A Quiet Place: Day One, the Rebel Moon films (Netflix), Gran Turismo, The King's Man, Shazam: Fury of the Gods, Captain Marvel, Fast and Furious 7, and numerous other notable films.