After its theatrical release in 1997, James Cameron’s masterpiece Titanic became the most financially successful film of all time at the time, grossing over $2.257 billion worldwide. Not only the main actors Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet benefited from this mega success, but also inconspicuous and unexpected participants in the cult classic.
So the former gets Child actor Reese Thomas along with many other supporting actors, an annual check in the three-digit amount is still issued to this day – even though he is in the film can be seen in just three short scenes and says a single sentence. The then five-year-old took on the role of a little Irish boy who, after the fateful iceberg collision, is put to bed by his mother in a third-class compartment – and thus faces a tragic death.
$30,000 and annual payments for just one set in Titanic
Reese Thomas got his start in acting as a child model and had to choose between jobs at an untitled company “big movie” or a commercial that might have made him and his family significantly more money. Eventually he was persuaded by his mother to accept the role in Titanic – which turned out to be a golden decision turned out.
As Thomas revealed to Business Insider, he ended up earning around $30,000 for the part, which he was able to invest in his training. However, to this day he still receives annual payments, which consist of a tiny percentage Cinema screenings, TV broadcasts and home cinema sales of the classic.
20th Century Fox
Reese Thompson still benefits from his little Titanic appearance to this day
Even though the now 30-year-old left the film industry years ago and now works as the marketing director of a resort in the US state of Utah, he is still reminded of his past and the adventure that filming Titanic represented for him back then :
It’s strange because it’s no longer present in my head. It’s not like I’m thinking, ‘Oh, when’s the next Titanic check coming?’ When that happens, I’m more like, ‘Oh cool, a few extra $100.’ Where can you watch Titanic right now?
Titanic is currently available for streaming on Disney+. The film is also available in Germany on DVD, Blu-ray and in 4K for home cinema.