Actors who got paid for movies they weren't in
Paul Rudd for 'Bridesmaids' (2011) -
Actor Paul Rudd was supposed to star in Paul Feig's 2011 hit comedy 'Bridesmaids.' Rudd would play the protagonist's blind date, and indeed shot a scene.
Paul Rudd for 'Bridesmaids' (2011) -
The scene, however, never saw the light of day in the final cut of the movie. But Rudd still got paid.
Johnny Depp for 'Fantastic Beasts : The Secrets of Dumbledore' (2022) - The actor was supposed to return as the antagonist Gellert Grindelwald in 'Fantastic Beasts : The Secrets of Dumbledore' (2022).
Johnny Depp for 'Fantastic Beasts : The Secrets of Dumbledore' (2022) - But following Amber Heard's allegations and their subsequent legal dispute, Johnny Depp was replaced by Mads Mikkelsen.
Johnny Depp for 'Fantastic Beasts : The Secrets of Dumbledore' (2022) - The actor had only filmed one scene, but Depp's contract with Warner Bros. allowed him to pocket his full salary: US$16 million!
Tim Roth for 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood' (2019) - The actor was supposed to star in 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood' (2019) as a British butler.
Tim Roth for 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood' (2019) - Roth filmed the scenes, but Tarantino decided to axe them in the final cut of the movie. He still got paid for the part though.
Tobey Maguire for 'Life of Pi' (2012) -
Believe it or not, Tobey Maguire was replaced by Rafe Spall in 'Life of Pi' (2012) because director Ang Lee thought he was too well known.
Tobey Maguire for 'Life of Pi' (2012) - According to Lee, the decision was taken to "be consistent with other casting choices made for the film," Maguire got paid for his work.
Nicolas Cage for 'Superman Lives' -
The actor was supposed to star in Tim Burton's 'Superman Lives,' but the movie never saw the light of day.
Nicolas Cage for 'Superman Lives' -
Though Nicolas Cage never got to play play Superman, he was reportedly paid US$20 million for it!