Djimon Hounsou, a seasoned actor known for his roles in a wide array of films spanning Marvel, DC, Netflix, and beyond, has openly discussed his ongoing financial struggles within Hollywood. Despite his impressive resume, which includes two Oscar nominations for Best Supporting Actor for his performances in "In America" and "Blood Diamond," Hounsou revealed to CNN that he is "still struggling to make a living" and feels "definitely underpaid" in the industry.

Hounsou's candid remarks highlight a stark contrast between his career achievements and his financial reality. "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," he stated, echoing similar sentiments he shared with The Guardian in 2023, where he expressed feeling "cheated" both financially and in terms of workload compared to his peers.

As a black actor from Benin, Hounsou also pointed to racism and xenophobia as factors affecting his career. He recounted studio executives expressing surprise at his continued presence and dedication to acting after his role in "Amistad," suggesting a limited perception of his capabilities and contributions. "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 explained, highlighting the challenges he faces due to preconceived notions.

Despite these obstacles, Hounsou remains active in the industry, with recent appearances in films such as "A Quiet Place: Day One," the "Rebel Moon" series on Netflix, the video game adaptation "Gran Turismo," "The King's Man," "Shazam: Fury of the Gods," "Captain Marvel," and "Fast and Furious 7," among others. His resilience and dedication to his craft continue to shine through, even as he navigates the complexities of Hollywood's landscape.