Rebel Wilson reveals jaw-dropping pay gap between 'Bridesmaids' and 'Pitch Perfect 3'

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA: Rebel Wilson has candidly shared the stark contrast in pay between her early breakout role in 'Bridesmaids' and her massive earnings for 'Pitch Perfect 3'.

Writing in her 2024 memoir 'Rebel Rising', the Australian actress disclosed that she earned just $3,500 for her role in the Oscar-nominated comedy, a sum she described as “enough to join the SAG-AFTRA union,” as reported by UNILAD.

Rebel Wilson opens up about massive pay increase from 'Bridesmaids' to 'Pitch Perfect 3'

Rebel Wilson played Kristen Wiig’s roommate in 'Bridesmaids', a role that launched her Hollywood career. Within two weeks of its release, she landed six more projects, including 'Pitch Perfect'. Despite the humble paycheck, Wilson reflected on the experience with gratitude, calling it invaluable.

“It didn’t matter to me,” she wrote. “The experience was everything.”

Wilson's career and paycheck skyrocketed when she reprised her role as Fat Amy in 'Pitch Perfect 3'. While she initially earned $65,000 for the first installment of the franchise, her earnings for the third film reached an eye-popping $10 million.

Wilson revealed in an interview with The New York Times that she used her leverage strategically, negotiating an additional $1 million on top of an already generous $9 million offer.

“Universal Studios made a ton of money from the 'Pitch Perfect' movies,” she explained. “Did I absolutely love working with them? Yes. But did I use that leverage? Also yes. To receive an eight-figure offer, especially as a woman, is huge. Women often don’t talk about pay, but I think it’s important to celebrate those milestones.”

Wilson’s negotiation power stemmed partly from the studio’s plans to potentially replace the original cast for the third film. However, the success of the second movie, which grossed nearly $300 million, made retaining the original Bellas essential.

Ultimately, 'Pitch Perfect 3' was a box office hit, earning $185 million worldwide on a $45 million budget, solidifying Wilson as one of Hollywood’s highest-paid female actors.

Rebel Wilson and Ramona Agruma make it official in Sydney

Rebel Wilson and Ramona Agruma have officially tied the knot in Australia, following their lavish Sardinian ceremony earlier this year. The couple celebrated their legal union in Sydney, with Wilson sharing the joyous moment on Instagram.

"My sister Liberty officiated our legal wedding in Sydney!" Wilson wrote. "It meant my 94-year-old grandmother, Gar, could come, which was very special to us."

The intimate gathering allowed family members to be part of the celebration, with photos capturing the couple against the iconic Sydney Harbour backdrop and sweet moments shared with loved ones, including Wilson’s grandmother.

Wilson expressed her joy about making their marriage official in her hometown. “(It) just felt right to do it in my hometown at this glorious time of the year,” she added.

Wilson and Agruma initially celebrated their union with a dreamy destination wedding in Sardinia on September 28. Though marriage equality is not recognized in Italy, the couple ensured their love story culminated in a legal ceremony back home in Australia.

The pair began their relationship in 2021, announcing their engagement at Disneyland in Los Angeles in February 2023. Wilson later detailed the magical proposal in her memoir 'Rebel Rising', describing how she orchestrated the surprise under the guise of visiting Disneyland to experience the new Mickey and Minnie Mouse ride.