It’s often believed that in cinema, only the stars earn the most, but this is not entirely true. While actors typically receive the highest paychecks, top directors also make a significant income. In fact, the richest film celebrity globally isn’t an actor but a director, whose net worth is an astounding $9.4 billion (approximately ₹80,000 crore), despite directing only six films.
The Richest Film Celebrity: George Lucas
George Lucas, the mastermind behind the Star Wars and Indiana Jones franchises, holds the title of the world’s wealthiest film celebrity. According to Bloomberg, as of October 2024, Lucas’s net worth stands at $7.7 billion, though some estimates go up to $9.4 billion. Regardless, his fortune significantly surpasses that of other celebrities like Jay Z, Madonna, Taylor Swift, and Rihanna. Interestingly, Lucas has only directed six movies in his entire career, which includes THX 118 (1971), American Graffiti (1973), and four Star Wars films, starting with the original in 1977 and the prequel trilogy. His last directorial effort was Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, released in 2005.
The Extent of George Lucas’s Wealth
Even at the lower end of estimates—Forbes lists his net worth at $5.3 billion—Lucas’s fortune still exceeds the combined net worths of Taylor Swift ($1.3 billion), Tom Cruise ($800 million), and Shah Rukh Khan ($870 million). The only actor coming close is Jami Gertz, whose $8 billion fortune stems from business and sports investments, unlike Lucas’s entertainment-based earnings.
How George Lucas Amassed His Billions
Despite directing only a handful of films, Lucas created and produced two of the world’s most lucrative franchises: Star Wars and Indiana Jones. The Star Wars franchise alone has grossed nearly $50 billion globally, including box office revenues and merchandise sales, earning Lucas substantial royalties. The Indiana Jones series has contributed almost $3 billion more. Additionally, Lucas founded LucasArts (video game licensor), Industrial Light and Magic (visual effects), and THX (audio company). These ventures further bolstered his wealth. Although he sold Star Wars rights to Disney, he still receives royalties under the agreement, meaning his net worth could increase as more films are released.
