Planet of the Apes Rich List: The Wealthiest Actors in the Primate World, Ranked

The ‘Planet of the Apes’ saga has stretched across decades, drawing in a wide mix of legacy stars, award winners, and franchise regulars. Many of these actors built substantial careers beyond the series, with leading roles, producing credits, and work across film, television, and streaming. The wealth they have today reflects long careers, smart career pivots, and steady work in some of Hollywood’s biggest properties.

This list looks at the major names who appeared in the ‘Planet of the Apes’ universe and considers their broader filmographies, franchise paydays, and business moves. From the classic era to the modern motion capture epics, these actors leveraged their screen time into lasting careers that included headlining roles, back end participation, and work that travels well on global platforms.

15. Owen Teague

Owen Teague leads ‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes’ as Noa and moved into franchise territory after earlier work in ‘It’ and ‘The Stand’. His recent shift into carrying a major studio release places him on a trajectory toward bigger quotes and international exposure, which typically brings higher future earnings. He also maintains a steady presence in independent projects that build prestige and keep new opportunities coming.

Before headlining ‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes’, he built a résumé with television arcs and film roles that perform well on digital storefronts. This mix often leads to balanced income from upfront salaries and residuals, especially as titles rotate on streaming services and international television packages.

14. Kevin Durand

Kevin Durand appears in ‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes’ as Proximus Caesar and has been a familiar face in genre hits such as ‘X-Men Origins: Wolverine’ and ‘The Strain’. Character actors with action credentials often land consistent supporting roles across film and television, which keeps earnings stable over time. His work in effects heavy productions also translates well to global audiences, supporting a broad syndication footprint.

Durand’s long run of television work and recurring roles adds reliable residual income. Appearances in studio franchises and steady mid budget thrillers provide a diversified slate that continues to pay out across streaming windows and international sales.

13. Freida Pinto

Freida Pinto co stars in ‘Rise of the Planet of the Apes’ and broke out with ‘Slumdog Millionaire’. Her career includes international advertising campaigns and global festival films, giving her a mix of mainstream and prestige projects. Brand work and fashion partnerships often supplement film income, particularly for actors with a strong international profile.

She has worked across continents with credits in ‘Love Sonia’ and ‘Only’. This cross market presence helps sustain long term earnings through a combination of upfront compensation, residuals, and ongoing licensing of widely circulated titles.

12. Toby Kebbell

Toby Kebbell brought Koba to life in ‘Dawn of the Planet of the Apes’ and ‘War for the Planet of the Apes’ and has additional franchise experience in ‘Kong: Skull Island’ and ‘Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time’. He has combined live action roles with performance capture work, which keeps him in demand for large scale productions. These films often come with strong international box office that supports long tail residuals.

Kebbell’s slate includes television leads and limited series that expand his profile beyond cinema. That balance of mediums typically smooths year to year income and creates recurring payouts from streaming availability and broadcast reruns.

11. Judy Greer

Judy Greer plays Cornelia in ‘Dawn of the Planet of the Apes’ and ‘War for the Planet of the Apes’. She has an extensive list of supporting roles in successful films like ‘Jurassic World’ and ‘Ant-Man’, along with steady television work. This breadth translates into regular paychecks and reliable residual streams across multiple platforms.

Her career also includes directing and publishing, which adds additional revenue channels beyond acting. With voice work, commercials, and a consistent flow of screen roles, Greer’s earnings benefit from variety and volume.

10. Steve Zahn

Steve Zahn portrays Bad Ape in ‘War for the Planet of the Apes’ and built his reputation with films like ‘That Thing You Do’ and ‘Dallas Buyers Club’ and series such as ‘The White Lotus’. He combines prestige projects with popular comedies, creating a portfolio that performs well in both awards seasons and syndication.

Regular television appearances and voice roles add steady residual income. His participation in well traveled series and films that remain popular on streaming services contributes to long term financial stability.

9. Jason Clarke

Jason Clarke leads ‘Dawn of the Planet of the Apes’ and has headlined or supported prestige dramas like ‘Zero Dark Thirty’ and large scale titles such as ‘Terminator Genisys’. He moves between studio blockbusters and character driven films, a combination that typically offers both strong upfront compensation and continued back end.

Clarke’s consistent presence in television limited series and international co productions broadens his earnings base. Projects that play globally tend to provide recurring income as licensing cycles renew across regions and platforms.

8. Keri Russell

Keri Russell appears in ‘Dawn of the Planet of the Apes’ and earned widespread acclaim for ‘The Americans’. Years of top tier television work bring dependable residuals and strong episode fees, while film roles in franchises and prestige projects add to overall income. Her transition between TV and film has kept her profile high with audiences and buyers.

She also works in stage and voice acting, which diversifies revenue. The continued popularity of ‘The Americans’ on streaming supports ongoing payouts, while new series commitments and films maintain her earnings pipeline.

7. Tim Roth

Tim Roth stars as General Thade in ‘Planet of the Apes’ from 2001 and has a long list of notable credits that includes ‘Pulp Fiction’, ‘Rob Roy’, and the series ‘Lie to Me’. Lead roles on network and cable television typically deliver high per episode rates that stack well over multiple seasons. His presence in acclaimed films keeps catalog titles circulating, aiding residuals.

Roth’s work in international cinema and streaming series extends his earning potential beyond domestic markets. Frequent festival titles paired with mainstream appearances create a healthy mix of upfront fees and back end participation.

6. James Franco

James Franco co leads ‘Rise of the Planet of the Apes’ and has accumulated a broad filmography that includes ‘127 Hours’, ‘Pineapple Express’, and appearances in the ‘Spider-Man’ trilogy. He has also directed and produced, which can bring additional compensation through producer fees and profit participation.

Franco’s long run of commercially successful titles provides continued residuals across cable and streaming. Writing and teaching have supplemented his screen work, adding to overall income through advances and program engagements.

5. Andy Serkis

Andy Serkis is central to the modern trilogy as Caesar in ‘Rise of the Planet of the Apes’, ‘Dawn of the Planet of the Apes’, and ‘War for the Planet of the Apes’. He expanded into directing with ‘Mowgli’ and ‘Venom: Let There Be Carnage’ and has producing credits through his company. His signature motion capture performances include Gollum in ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and Supreme Leader Snoke in ‘Star Wars’, tying him to multiple global franchises.

Beyond acting, Serkis’s performance capture studio work and behind the camera roles add significant revenue streams. Appearances in ‘The Batman’ and ‘Andor’ keep him active in high visibility projects that travel well internationally and perform strongly on streaming platforms.

4. Helena Bonham Carter

Helena Bonham Carter plays Ari in ‘Planet of the Apes’ from 2001 and has a catalog that features ‘The King’s Speech’, ‘Harry Potter’, and ‘The Crown’. Long running franchises and acclaimed series typically generate sustained residual income, while awards recognition maintains demand for new roles.

She has worked extensively in period dramas and fantasy films that continue to draw audiences on streaming and television. Audiobook narration, voice roles, and stage work supplement her film and series earnings, creating a well rounded financial profile.

3. Woody Harrelson

Woody Harrelson appears as the Colonel in ‘War for the Planet of the Apes’ and has starred in major titles such as ‘Zombieland’, ‘The Hunger Games’, and ‘True Detective’. Leading roles in blockbuster franchises and premium television can deliver substantial paydays, particularly when tied to multi film or multi season commitments.

Harrelson continues to balance comedies, dramas, and action films, keeping his slate active across platforms. Producer credits and recurring series appearances help sustain income between larger theatrical projects.

2. Gary Oldman

Gary Oldman joins ‘Dawn of the Planet of the Apes’ and is widely known for ‘The Dark Knight’ trilogy, ‘Harry Potter’, and ‘Darkest Hour’. Franchise work combined with an Academy Award win enhances negotiating leverage for higher salaries and favorable back end terms. His catalog titles air frequently worldwide, supporting strong residuals.

Oldman’s continued work in prestige television and film ensures a steady revenue flow. Voice roles, endorsements, and occasional producing efforts add layers to his income beyond principal acting fees.

1. Mark Wahlberg

Mark Wahlberg leads ‘Planet of the Apes’ from 2001 and built a large scale career with the ‘Transformers’ series, ‘Ted’, and ‘The Departed’. He also holds numerous producer credits on film and television, including long running reality and docuseries work, which often provides steady income and profit participation.

Wahlberg’s business ventures include fitness, food, and beverage brands that contribute significantly to his overall wealth. Combined with recurring roles in commercially successful films and ongoing producing deals, these ventures place him at the top among actors connected to the ‘Planet of the Apes’ franchise.

Share your picks for who belongs on this list in the comments and tell us who you think should move up or down.