Cameron Diaz’s Salary from Charlie’s Angels More Than 20 Years Ago Will Blow Your Mind

Cameron Diaz, the blonde beauty who ruled the silver screen in the late 90s and early 2000s, is truly an icon of Hollywood. Known for her infectious smile, playful charm, and magnetic screen presence, Diaz carved a niche for herself as one of the most beloved actresses of her time.

Cameron Diaz in the movie The Mask | Credit: New Line Cinema

From her breakout role in The Mask (1994) to a series of unforgettable performances in romantic comedies, she quickly became one of the most sought-after names in the industry. However, one of her most memorable roles was in the action-packed 2000 film Charlie’s Angels.

In 2000, Diaz took on a leading role in the action-packed, women-led comedy. The movie became a cultural phenomenon, and Diaz’s performance was a big reason why. What’s even more surprising is the jaw-dropping paycheck she earned for it.

Drew Barrymore was the reason behind Cameron Diaz landing the role in Charlie’s Angels

A still of Drew Barrymore, Cameron Diaz, and, Lucy Liu from Charlie’s Angles | Credit: Sony Pictures Releasing

Cameron Diaz’s iconic role in Charlie’s Angels might never have happened if it weren’t for Drew Barrymore’s determination and vision. While working on Never Been Kissed, Barrymore and her producing partner Nancy Juvonen heard that Sony Pictures was planning a reboot of Charlie’s Angels.

Excited by the idea, they pushed for a meeting and came in with a clear plan. Although the studio only had a basic concept at the time, Barrymore and Juvonen shared their vision for the film, from casting to direction and everything in between. Their passion convinced the studio to let them take charge of the project.

When it came to casting her fellow Angels, Barrymore immediately knew who she wanted for the role of Natalie. She and Cameron Diaz had been close friends since their teens, and Barrymore believed Diaz was perfect for the film’s high-energy vibe. Diaz said (via The Morning Call)

Drew called me up and said, ‘I’m doing Charlie’s Angels and you have to do it with me. It will be girls jumping out of helicopters, driving fast boats, doing kung fu and wearing tons of hot clothes.’ I said, ‘Sign me up.’

After a quick phone call filled with promises of thrilling stunts, action-packed adventures, and fabulous outfits, Diaz was on board. This friendship-driven collaboration turned Charlie’s Angels into a wildly entertaining film that celebrated girl power and became a defining moment in both their careers.

Cameron Diaz’s salary for the role in Charlie’s Angels

A still from the movie Charlie’s Angels (2000) | Credit: Sony Pictures Releasing

Over two decades ago, Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore, and Lucy Liu joined forces to create box office magic with Charlie’s Angels. The action-packed movie, inspired by the iconic 1970s TV series, was made on a $93 million budget and according to Box Office Mojo, raked in an impressive $264 million globally.

Cameron Diaz’s paycheck for the Charlie’s Angels was equally headline-worthy. She earned a staggering $12 million, making her one of the highest-paid actresses at the time. This figure was $3 million more than what Drew Barrymore, also a producer of the movie, took home (via Business Insider).

But the success didn’t stop there. Diaz reprised her role in the 2003 sequel, Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle, and her salary skyrocketed to $20 million. This milestone made her only the third actress in Hollywood to earn that much for a single movie

The original Charlie’s Angels director wants to make a fourth part with the original trio

A still of Drew Barrymore, Cameron Diaz, and, Lucy Liu from Charlie’s Angles: Full Throttle | Credit: Sony Pictures Releasing

The Charlie’s Angels franchise has seen its share of highs and lows, with the original movies starring Drew Barrymore, Cameron Diaz, and Lucy Liu becoming instant hits. Directed by Joseph McGinty, famously known as McG, the first two films were box office gold, earning millions and cementing the trio’s place in Hollywood history.

However, McG was not involved in the third installment, released in 2019, which introduced a new cast featuring Kristen Stewart, Naomi Scott, and Ella Balinska. Despite high hopes, the reboot failed to recreate the magic of its predecessors.

Reflecting on the franchise, McG had previously expressed interest in a potential fourth installment featuring the original trio. He shared his desire to pitch the idea to Barrymore, Diaz, and Liu, hoping they might reunite for one last action-packed adventure. While he’s enthusiastic about the project, McG is also open to stepping aside and letting a new director take the reins, believing the franchise can evolve while honoring its roots.

A still of Drew Barrymore, Cameron Diaz, and, Lucy Liu from Charlie’s Angles | Credit: Sony Pictures Releasing

The director also fondly acknowledged the impact of the original Charlie’s Angels movies on his career, crediting the trio for putting him on the map. He hinted that if the stars align, there might still be a compelling story left to tell with the original Angels. According to Entertainment Weekly, he said

Who knows? Maybe we’ve got one left in us that tells a very compelling story if the opportunity presents itself. I love the three of them so much. They put me on the map. They looked out for me when I was a first-time filmmaker. I was very nearly fired off that film on many, many occasions, and Drew stood up for me and I’m forever indebted to her. And obviously, those are three performers where God broke the mold. They don’t make ’em like that. I mean, those are three special ones.

Despite its ups and downs, the Charlie’s Angels franchise has earned a cult-classic status. For fans eager to relive the original magic, the films are available to stream on Netflix. Whether or not the original Angels reunite, their legacy as action-comedy icons remains unforgettable.