'Top Moneymaker' Status Comes With Math Problem

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff
Posted Jan 2, 2009 4:42 PM CST
'Top Moneymaker' Status Comes With Math Problem
Christian Bale and Heath Ledger in "The Dark Night."   (AP Photo)

The annual ranking of movie stars based on exhibitors' sentiment is out. Thing is, the Quigley Poll bases its list on what industry insiders think the stars brought in, not on hard numbers. Gina Serpe of E! takes a look at the discrepancies.

  • Will Smith: Theater owners had a lot of confidence in the Hancock actor, putting him first in the poll. But his movies brought in just $271.8 million, paltry in comparison to the runners-up.

  • Robert Downey, Jr.: The resurgent star easily topped Smith, making studios $432.7 million—$567.2 million if you figure in The Incredible Hulk—but came in second in the poll.
  • Christian Bale: His third-place finish seems odd when the actor's only 2008 film, which needn't be named, made a staggering $530.9 million.
  • Relative newcomer Shia LaBeouf endeared himself with his role in the latest Indiana Jones flick and rounds out the top four.
For a full list, click the link below.
(More Will Smith stories.)

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