With every stride he made in the acting world, Will Smith shattered boundaries. Ironically, his journey was not born from witnessing a cinematic phenomenon, but rather sparked by a glance at his bank balance. Smith’s journey to the magical world of cinema was driven by bankruptcy at first and the urge to be the greatest performer the world had ever seen next.

Having spent more than three years in the acting industry, Will Smith’s drive may have started at a point of bankruptcy, but it has landed the actor at the hub of the richest actors in Hollywood. A pass very hard to attain even in Tinsel Town.

How Will Smith paved his path to becoming one of the highest-paid actors of all time?

The actor is not short of cash as he gives fans a peak of his exorbitant life on his social media account. With news of him earning a hefty $25 million in his latest Bad Boys 4, it is impossible to ignore the staggering numbers on his paychecks. However, when Smith did his first movie, Where The Day Takes You, things were very different. While the exact number he received is not disclosed, that the entire movie was filmed on a budget of $3 million is a clear giveaway.

Smith, despite featuring as the main actor in one of the greatest controversies in recent years, is said to be claiming paychecks way greater than his co-star and veteran actor, Martin Lawrence. Will Smith’s journey through Hollywood epitomizes the meteoric rise of one of the industry’s highest-paid and most beloved actors. And for this, he has his alien franchise to thank, among other things.

From Men in Black to highest paid man in Hollywood

If there is one career that can any day serve as the picture definition of versatility, it is that of Will Smith. Despite never playing an antagonist, the now Oscar winner has played all the five hundred shades of a good guy with renowned conviction. And while some have made him Mr. July and others have made him an Oscar winner, he was truly carried by the Barry Sonnenfeld franchise, Men In Black.

While the first movie got him a decent $5 million, the second movie shot Smith’s rate out of the sky with a $20 million paycheck and a 10% from its bombastic blockbuster success. This was highly needed, as Smith was reluctant to make a sequel. Fortunately, it played a great role in making him one of the highest-paid actors along with making him the lead of a successful franchise.

How much did you think was Will Smith’s first paycheck? Let us know in the comments below.