Actor Djimon Hounsou's movie salaries have been disclosed in court documents as part of a contentious custody battle with his ex-partner, Ri’za Simpson. The revelations come more than a year after Hounsou publicly stated he was "struggling financially" and "definitely underpaid."
In financial declarations obtained by TMZ, the two-time Oscar nominee reported significant paydays for several recent projects. He earned $1.1 million for "A Quiet Place: Day One" and $1.25 million for "Red Car." Other disclosed earnings include $400,000 for the horror film "The Monster," $300,000 each for "The Rising" and "The Zealot," and $250,000 for installments in the "Rebel Moon" franchise. Hounsou also received $150,000 for a project with FIFA and over $600,000 in residual income.
IMAGE1: ![Djimon Hounsou at the "A Quiet Place: Day One" New York Premiere]( "Djimon Hounsou at the "A Quiet Place: Day One" New York Premiere")
Despite these earnings, Hounsou listed his monthly income at approximately $60,000 but claimed expenses totaling around $85,000. These expenses reportedly include a $5,000 car payment, nearly $10,000 for his mortgage, and $2,500 each for groceries, dining, clothing, and entertainment.
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Simpson, however, believes Hounsou's monthly income is closer to $133,000. She has requested the court award her $30,000 for interim attorney fees and $10,000 to hire a financial expert for their ongoing legal battle.
The custody dispute between Hounsou and Simpson, who share two children, escalated after a physical altercation in December. Simpson was subsequently arrested and charged with assault and obstruction after allegedly striking Hounsou when he asked her to leave his Atlanta residence. She had initially obtained a temporary restraining order but later dismissed it following an agreement with Hounsou.
In January 2025, Hounsou commented on his financial situation during an appearance on CNN's "African Voices Changemakers," stating, "I've been in the filmmaking business for over two decades with two Oscar nominations and many blockbuster films, and yet, I’m still struggling financially. I’m definitely underpaid." He also touched on the need for progress in diversity and systemic racism within the entertainment industry.