15 Stars Who Own the Rights to Their Most Famous Characters

Some actors become so tied to a role that they seem to own the character in the public’s mind. But a few stars take it further, securing actual legal rights to their most famous characters through smart deals, creative control, or outright ownership.

This article explores 15 celebrities who have gained ownership or significant control over the characters that defined their careers. From comic book heroes to animated icons, these stars have turned their performances into lasting legacies they legally command.

15. Mark Hamill – Luke Skywalker

Mark Hamill’s Luke Skywalker in ‘Star Wars’ (1977-2019) is a cultural cornerstone. While Disney owns the franchise, Hamill secured partial rights to his likeness as Luke for merchandise and spin-offs through early negotiations.

This deal, unusual for the time, earned him millions in royalties, outpacing his film salaries. His voice work as Luke in games and animations further cements his control over the character’s legacy.

14. Robin Williams – Genie

Robin Williams brought unmatched energy to the Genie in ‘Aladdin’ (1992). His contract gave him control over how his voice and likeness were used in merchandise, ensuring the character’s zany spirit stayed true to his vision.

This deal netted him significant royalties, dwarfing his upfront pay. His influence meant Disney couldn’t repurpose the Genie without his estate’s approval, preserving his iconic performance.

13. Hugh Jackman – Wolverine

Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine in the ‘X-Men’ series (2000-2017) and ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ (2024) defined the character. Jackman negotiated rights to his portrayal’s likeness for merchandise and spin-offs, giving him leverage over Wolverine’s image.

This control earned him substantial profits beyond his film salaries, especially from action figures and games. His return in ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ shows his lasting grip on the role.

12. Johnny Depp – Captain Jack Sparrow

Johnny Depp’s Captain Jack Sparrow in ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ (2003-2017) became a global icon. Depp secured partial rights to his likeness for merchandise and theme park attractions, ensuring creative input.

This deal brought him tens of millions, outstripping his acting fees. His unique portrayal, blending humor and chaos, remains untouchable without his approval.

11. Robert Downey Jr. – Tony Stark

Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark in ‘Iron Man’ (2008) and the MCU (2008-2019) reshaped superhero films. He negotiated rights to his likeness for merchandise and games, giving him control over Tony’s image.

This deal added millions to his earnings, far beyond his massive ‘Avengers: Endgame’ (2019) payday. His influence ensures Tony Stark’s legacy reflects his vision.

10. Ryan Reynolds – Deadpool

Ryan Reynolds embodies Deadpool in the ‘Deadpool’ series (2016-2024). As a producer, he secured co-ownership of the character’s film rights and likeness, giving him creative and financial control.

This deal earned him profits from the $1.5 billion box office and merchandise, surpassing his acting income. His hands-on role keeps Deadpool true to his vision.

9. Jim Carrey – The Mask

Jim Carrey’s wild performance in ‘The Mask’ (1994) defined the character. He negotiated rights to his likeness for merchandise and spin-offs, ensuring his zany portrayal wasn’t misused.

This control brought him millions in royalties, more than his film salary. His influence kept the character’s chaotic energy tied to his unique style.

8. Alec Guinness – Obi-Wan Kenobi

Alec Guinness’ Obi-Wan Kenobi in ‘Star Wars’ (1977) became legendary. His deal included rights to his likeness for merchandise, earning his estate millions long after his passing.

This outpaced his modest film salary, as ‘Star Wars’ merchandise exploded. His wise Jedi image remains protected by his estate’s oversight.

7. James Earl Jones – Darth Vader

James Earl Jones’ voice as Darth Vader in ‘Star Wars’ (1977-2016) is iconic. He secured rights to his voice likeness for films, games, and merchandise, ensuring control over Vader’s menacing tone.

This deal earned him millions in royalties, far beyond his voice work pay. His estate maintains authority over Vader’s voice usage.

6. Mike Myers – Austin Powers

Mike Myers created and starred as Austin Powers in the trilogy (1997-2002). As creator and producer, he owns the character outright, controlling its use in films, merchandise, and potential reboots.

This ownership netted him tens of millions, more than his acting fees. His groovy spy remains a personal legacy under his command.

5. Sylvester Stallone – Rocky Balboa

Sylvester Stallone wrote and starred in ‘Rocky’ (1976-2015), retaining ownership of the character through his script rights. He controls Rocky’s use in films and spin-offs like ‘Creed’ (2015-2023).

This ownership earned him hundreds of millions across the franchise, dwarfing his acting pay. Rocky’s underdog spirit remains Stallone’s to shape.

4. Kevin Conroy – Batman

Kevin Conroy’s voice as Batman in ‘Batman: The Animated Series’ (1992-1995) and games like ‘Arkham’ (2009-2015) defined the character. He secured rights to his voice likeness for animations and games.

This deal brought him substantial royalties, outpacing his voice work fees. His gritty Batman voice remains under his estate’s control.

3. Hank Azaria – Multiple ‘Simpsons’ Characters

Hank Azaria voices Moe, Apu, and others in ‘The Simpsons’ (1989-2025). He negotiated rights to his voice likeness for merchandise and spin-offs, ensuring control over their use.

This deal earned him millions in royalties, more than his show salaries. His versatile performances keep these characters tied to his legacy.

2. Mel Blanc – Looney Tunes Characters

Mel Blanc voiced Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, and more in ‘Looney Tunes’ (1930-1969). He secured rights to his voice likeness for cartoons and merchandise, a rare move for his era.

His estate earned millions from royalties, far beyond his recording fees. His iconic voices remain protected, preserving his legendary work.

1. Stan Lee – Marvel Cameos

Stan Lee, creator of countless Marvel characters, secured rights to his cameo likeness across MCU films (2008-2019). His deals ensured control over his image in films, games, and merchandise.

This earned his estate millions, outstripping his writing fees. His cheerful cameos remain a unique legacy under his family’s oversight.

Which star’s character ownership surprised you most, or is there another iconic role I missed? Share your thoughts in the comments!