Djimon Hounsou, a seasoned actor known for his roles in films spanning Marvel, DC, Netflix, and beyond, has openly discussed his ongoing financial struggles in Hollywood. Despite his impressive resume, which includes two Oscar nominations for Best Supporting Actor for his performances in "In America" and "Blood Diamond," along with starring in numerous blockbusters, Hounsou revealed to CNN that he feels "definitely underpaid" and is "still struggling to make a living."

Hounsou's candid remarks resonate with his earlier statements to The Guardian in 2023, where he expressed feelings of being "cheated, tremendously cheated," in terms of both financial compensation and workload. He highlighted the disparity between his own financial situation and that of some peers who, despite having fewer accolades, are significantly better off financially.

Djimon Hounsou, a black actor from Benin, has also spoken about the impact of racism and xenophobia on his career. He recounted experiences where studio executives expressed surprise at his continued presence in the industry, seemingly underestimating his dedication and skill as an actor. "I’ve gone to studios for meetings and they’re like, ‘Wow, we felt like you just got off the boat and then went back [after Amistad]. We didn’t know you were here as a true actor,'" he said, pointing out the limiting perceptions some hold about him.

Despite these challenges, Hounsou remains active in the industry, with recent roles in "A Quiet Place: Day One," the two "Rebel Moon" films on Netflix, the video game adaptation "Gran Turismo," "The King's Man," "Shazam: Fury of the Gods," "Captain Marvel," and "Fast and Furious 7," among others. His resilience and commitment to his craft continue to drive him forward, even as he navigates the complexities of Hollywood.