Actor James McAvoy revealed that his hit movie Split is the only film that still consistently pays him high residual money.
Popular Scottish actor James McAvoy has surprised movie fans around the world after revealing that his low-budget 2017 hit psychological thriller movie, “Split,” is the only film in his long career that still consistently pays him huge extra money, known as residuals.
Speaking during a recent episode of the popular Happy Sad Confused podcast hosted by Josh Horowitz in October 2026, the actor explained that even though he acted in huge blockbuster movies like the X-Men franchise, smaller low-budget films with smart profit deals pay far better money over time.
Residual money is the special money paid to actors, writers, and directors whenever a movie or television show is broadcast on television, streamed on digital apps, or sold to new international networks after its initial release.
Explaining how most actors usually assume big-budget superhero films bring the highest continuous payments, James McAvoy noted that huge movie budgets often destroy backend profit deals because the studio spends too much money making and promoting the film before seeing profits.
Revealing which specific film in his whole career still sends him regular profit checks years after its release, James McAvoy stated: “The only one that really consistently pays me is ‘Split’.”
Breaking down the simple math behind why the film made so much profit so quickly for everyone involved in its production, the actor explained that director M. Night Shyamalan made the movie with very little money compared to big Hollywood films.
Detailing the exact low cost of making the film and how fast it started making profit during its first days in cinemas, James McAvoy noted: “Well, because we made it for, I think it was made for like six million or something like that. And let’s say they spent 30 advertising it. In our first weekend, we made 40. So, we were in profit. So, our first residual check came at the end of the first weekend. It was bonkers.”
Reflecting on how surprised he felt when the first extra payment check arrived in his mail immediately after opening weekend, the actor added: “So our first residual check came at the end of the first weekend.”
Praising the director of the movie, M. Night Shyamalan, for his sharp business mind and smart organization on set, McAvoy shared that the director knew how to save money while still delivering a high-quality story that thrilled millions of cinema viewers.
Commending the director for his careful planning and money management during filming, James McAvoy noted: “The thing that I took away from him was his preparedness because you know he made that film and ‘Glass’ on incredibly modest budgets and was very focused.”
In the popular film “Split,” James McAvoy played a complex character living with 23 different personalities who kidnaps three young girls, showcasing intense acting talent that earned him wide praise across global cinema screens.
McAvoy’s open explanation of Hollywood pay structures has given ordinary movie fans a clear, easy look into how actors make money behind the scenes.
Jennifer Baba is a journalist, international news correspondent, and writer at Moderncrux, where she covers artificial intelligence, fintech, emerging technologies, global politics, and international affairs. Based in Nigeria, she is passionate about transforming complex global developments into clear, engaging stories that inform and inspire readers.
