Brad Pitt is convinced Hollywood actors will no longer be able to command multi-million dollar salaries in the future because movie studios have been hit hard by the tough economic climate.
The Fight Club actor reveals the film industry's top stars, who used to be able to demand upwards of $10 million (£6.3 million) per picture, have been taking pay cuts because movie bosses are unable to hand over such large salaries any more.
Brad Pitt says big salaries for Hollywood stars are a thing of the past
He tells BBC Newsbeat, "That thing died. That arithmetic doesn't really work right now... that deal's not flying these days... A lot of the studios have been challenged because of the economic downturn as well so they've been betting on bigger, more tent pole (blockbusters) kinds of things."
However, lest anyone think the A-lister is feeling sorry for himself and his famous friends, it seems Pitt believes the change is good for the movie industry, as it will allow more emerging talent to shine through.
He adds, "That opens up a vacuum for really interesting new filmmakers to come in, it's a really interesting time... You take the roles for the roles and you've just got to balance economics like everyone does."
Tom Cruise was recently named by Forbes magazine as Hollywood's best-paid actor, with estimated 2011-2012 earnings of $75 million (£46.9 million).
Brad Pitt
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Actor Brad Pitt from 'A River Runs Through It' September 15, 1991. (Photo by Liaison) (credit:Getty)
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9/8/93-Mann's Chinese Theater,Hollywood,Ca- Brad Pitt at the "True Romance "Premiere. (credit:Getty)
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Brad Pitt in the film 'Legends of the Fall.' (Photo by Liaison) (credit:Getty)
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LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES: Actor Brad Pitt (L), nominee for best supporting actor for his role as ' Jeffrey Goines' in '12 Monkeys' and his companion Gwyneph Paltrow (R) arrives at the Dorothy Chandler Pavillion in Los Angeles 25 March for the 68th annual Academy awards. This is Pitt's first nomination for an Oscar. AFP PHOTO Vince Bucci (Photo credit should read KIM KULISH/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)
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TORONTO, CANADA: Film star Brad Pitt rushes into the world premier for his new film 'Seven Years In Tibet' at the Toronto Film Festival in Toronto, Canada, 13 September. Pitt was posing for photographers when a group of women started to rush across the street towards him and he hurried into the theatre. AFP PHOTO/Carlo ALLEGRI (Photo credit should read CARLO ALLEGRI/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)
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341913 01: Actor Brad Pitt in the film 'Meet Joe Black.' (Photo by Liaison) (credit:Getty)
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4/17/98-Brad Pitt attending the Artist Rights Foundation Awards Honoring Tom Cruise. (credit:Getty)
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Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston arrive at the '51st Annual primetime EMMY Awards' in Los Angeles, California September 12, 1999. On July 27, 2000, it has been reported that Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston will be married over the weekend. (Photo by Dan Callister/Online USA) (credit:Getty)
Actors Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt arrive for t(09 of50)
BEVERLY HILLS, UNITED STATES: Actors Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt arrive for the American Film Institute tribute to Harrison Ford, who received the Life Achievement award from the organization 17 February, 2000 in Beverly Hills, Ca. (ELECTRONIC IMAGE) AFP PHOTO Vince BUCCI/vb (Photo credit should read Vince Bucci/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)
US actor Brad Pitt (R) and his wife, actress Jenni(10 of50)
BEVERLY HILLS, UNITED STATES: US actor Brad Pitt (R) and his wife, actress Jennifer Aniston arrive at the 59th Annual Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, 20 January 2002. Aniston was nominated for Best Performance in a Supporting Role in a Television Series, Mini Series or Motion Picture Made for Television. AFP PHOTO/Lucy Nicholson (Photo credit should read LUCY NICHOLSON/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)
US actor Brad Pitt laughs during Game 3 of the Wes(11 of50)
LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES: US actor Brad Pitt laughs during Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Sacramento Kings at the Staples Center in Los Angeles 24 May, 2002. The best-of-seven series is tied 1-1. AFP PHOTO Lucy NICHOLSON (Photo credit should read LUCY NICHOLSON/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)
Aniston & Pitt At Premiere(12 of50)
American actress Jennifer Aniston and actor Brad Pitt attend the Los Angeles premiere of Universal Pictures' film 'Along Came Polly' at the Grauman's Chinese Theatre Hollywood, California, January 12, 2004. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)
New York Premiere Of "Troy"(13 of50)
NEW YORK - MAY 10: (U.S. TABLOIDS AND HOLLYWOOD REPORTER OUT) Actor Brad Pitt attends the premiere of 'Troy' on May 10, 2004 in New York City. (Photo by Peter Kramer/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)
"Troy" Photocall(14 of50)
CANNES, FRANCE - MAY 13: Actor Brad Pitt poses for photographers at a photocall for the film 'Troy' during the 57th International Cannes Film Festival May 13, 2004 in Cannes, France. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)
FR: Cannes International Film Festival: Troy - World Premiere(15 of50)
CANNES, FRANCE - MAY 13: Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston attend the World Premiere of epic movie 'Troy' at Le Palais de Festival on May 13, 2004 in Cannes, France. (Photo by Bruno Vincent/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)
CA: "Criminal" Film Premiere in Hollywood(16 of50)
HOLLYWOOD - AUGUST 30: Actor Brad Pitt attends the premiere of the Warner Independent Pictures' film 'Criminal' on August 30, 2004 at the Arclight Theatre in Hollywood , California. (Photo by Vince Bucci/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)
56th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards - Arrivals(17 of50)
LOS ANGELES - SEPTEMBER 19: Actress Jennifer Aniston and Actor/husband Brad Pitt attend the 56th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards on September 19, 2004 at the Shrine Auditorium, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)
"Ocean's Twelve" European Photocall(18 of50)
ROME, ITALY - DECEMBER 10: Actor Brad Pitt poses at a photocall to promote his new film 'Ocean's Twelve' - the sequel to 'Ocean's Eleven' - at the Sala della piccola Protomoteca, Campidoglio on December 10, 2004 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Franco Origlia/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)
"Ocean's Twelve" German Premiere(19 of50)
BERLIN - DECEMBER 15: Actor Brad Pitt arrives at the German Premiere for the film 'Ocean's Twelve' - the sequel to 'Ocean's Eleven' - at the Cinestar at the Sony Center on December 15, 2004 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)
HFPA Annual Installation Luncheon - Inside(20 of50)
BEVERLY HILLS, CA - JULY 20: Actor Brad Pitt poses at the Hollywood Foreign Press Association annual installation luncheon at the Beverly Hills Hotel on July 20, 2005 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)
TIFF Gala Presentation Of "Babel"(21 of50)
TORONTO - SEPTEMBER 09: Actor Brad Pitt arrives at the Toronto International Film Festival gala presenation of the film 'Babel' held at the Roy Thomson Hall on September 9, 2006 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)
"Babel" TIFF Press Conference(22 of50)
TORONTO - SEPTEMBER 10: Actor Brad Pitt attends the 'Babel' press conference during the Toronto International Film Festival held at the Sutton Place Hotel on September 10, 2006 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)
Paramount Vantage Premiere Of "Babel" - Arrivals(23 of50)
WESTWOOD, CA - NOVEMBER 05: Actor Brad Pitt arrives at the Paramount Vantage premiere of 'Babel' held at the FOX Westwood Village theatre on November 5, 2006 in Westwood, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)
Universal Presents The World Premiere Of The Good Shepherd Inside Arrivals(24 of50)
NEW YORK - DECEMBER 11: Actor Brad Pitt attends the World Premiere of 'The Good Shepherd' presented by Universal Pictures at the Ziegfeld Theatre on December 11, 2006 in New York City. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)
The 64th Annual Golden Globe Awards - Arrivals(25 of50)
BEVERLY HILLS, CA - JANUARY 15: Actors Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie arrives at the 64th Annual Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton on January 15, 2007 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)
Cannes - "A Mighty Heart" - Photocall(26 of50)
CANNES, FRANCE - MAY 21: Actor and co-producer Brad Pitt attends a photocall for the film 'A Mighty Heart' at the Palais des Festivals during the 60th International Cannes Film Festival on May 21, 2007 in Cannes, France. (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)
Cannes - 'Ocean's Thirteen' - Premiere(27 of50)
CANNES, FRANCE - MAY 24: Actor Brad Pitt departs the premiere for the film 'Ocean's Thirteen' at the Palais des Festivals during the 60th International Cannes Film Festival on May 24, 2007 in Cannes, France. (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)
Paramount Vantage Premiere Of "A Mighty Heart" - Arrivals(28 of50)
NEW YORK - JUNE 13: Actor/Producer Brad Pitt attends the premiere of 'A Mighty Heart' presented by Paramount Vantage at the Ziegfeld Theatre on June 13, 2007 in New York City. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)
64th Annual Venice Film Festival : The Assassination Of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford - Photocall - Day 5(29 of50)
VENICE, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 02: Actor Brad Pitt attends The Assassination Of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford photocall in Venice during day 5 of the 64th Venice Film Festival on September 2, 2007 in Venice, Italy. (Photo by Franco Origlia/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)
64th Annual Venice Film Festival : The Assassination Of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford - Premiere - Day 5(30 of50)
VENICE, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 02: Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt attend the The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford premiere on the Day 5 of the 64th Annual Venice Film Festival on September 2, 2007 in Venice, Italy. (Photo by MJ Kim/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)
33rd Deauville Film Festival : The Assassination Of Jesse James - Premiere(31 of50)
DEAUVILLE, FRANCE - SEPTEMBER 03: U.S actor Brad Pitt arrives for the premiere of 'The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford' during the 33rd Deauville American Film Festival on September 03, 2007 in Deauville , France. (Photo by Francois Durand/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)
The Assassination Of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford - Arrivals(32 of50)
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: Actor Brad Pitt attends 'The Assassination Of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford' film premiere at the Ziegfeld Theater September 18, 2007 in New York City. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)
14th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards - Arrivals(33 of50)
LOS ANGELES - JANUARY 27: Actor Brad Pitt arrives at the 14th annual Screen Actors Guild awards held at the Shrine Auditorium on January 27, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)
Cannes 2008: 'Kung Fu Panda' - Premiere(34 of50)
CANNES, FRANCE - MAY 15: Actors Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt attend the 'Kung Fu Panda' premiere at the Palais des Festivals during the 61st Cannes International Film Festival on May 15, 2008 in Cannes, France. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)
65th Venice Film Festival: Burn After Reading Photocall(35 of50)
VENICE, ITALY - AUGUST 27: Brad Pitt waves as he arrives for the 'Burn After Reading' Photocall part of the 65th Venice Film Festival at Palazzo del Casino on August 27, 2008 in Venice, Italy. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)
65th Venice Film Festival: Opening Ceremony & Burn After Reading Premiere - Arrivals(36 of50)
VENICE, ITALY - AUGUST 27: Actor Brad Pitt arrives at the opening ceremony and 'Burn After Reading' Premiere during the 65th Venice Film Festival at Sala Grande on August 27, 2008 in Venice, Italy. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)
Premiere Of "Burn After Reading" - Arrivals - TIFF 2008(37 of50)
TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 05: Actor Brad Pitt arrives at the premiere of 'Burn After Reading' during the 2008 Toronto International Film Festival held at Roy Thomson Hall on September 5, 2008 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)
The 66th Annual Golden Globe Awards - Arrivals(38 of50)
BEVERLY HILTON, CA - JANUARY 11: Actors Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie arrive at the 66th Annual Golden Globe Awards held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 11, 2009 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)
"The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button" Japan Premiere(39 of50)
TOKYO - JANUARY 29: Actor Brad Pitt attends 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button' Japan Premiere at Roppongi Hill on January 29, 2009 in Tokyo, Japan. The film will open on Feburary 7 in Japan. (Photo by Junko Kimura/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)
Inglourious Basterds Photocall - 2009 Cannes Film Festival(40 of50)
CANNES, FRANCE - MAY 20: (UK TABLOID NEWSPAPERS OUT) Actor Brad Pitt attends the Inglourious Basterds Photocall held at the Palais Des Festivals during the 62nd International Cannes Film Festival on May 20, 2009 in Cannes, France. (Photo by Dave Hogan/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)
Inglourious Basterds Premiere - 2009 Cannes Film Festival(41 of50)
CANNES, FRANCE - MAY 20: Actor Brad Pitt attends the Inglourious Basterds Premiere held at the Palais Des Festivals during the 62nd International Cannes Film Festival on May 20th, 2009 in Cannes, France. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)
Premiere Of Weinstein Co. "Inglourious Basterds" - Arrivals(42 of50)
HOLLYWOOD - AUGUST 10: Actor Brad Pitt (L) and actress Angelina Jolie arrive at the premiere of Weinstein Co.'s 'Inglourious Basterds' held at Grauman's Chinese Theatre on August 10, 2009 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)
57th San Sebastian Film Festival: "Inglorious Basterds" Photocall(43 of50)
SAN SEBASTIAN, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 18: Actor Brad Pitt attends 'Inglorious Basterds' photocall at the Kursaal Palace during the 57th San Sebastian International Film Festival on September 18, 2009 in San Sebastian, Spain. (Photo by Carlos Alvarez/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)
NFL Divisional Playoffs - Arizona Cardinals v New Orleans Saints(44 of50)
NEW ORLEANS - JANUARY 16: Actor Brad Pitt stands on the sidelines during warm ups prior to the New Orleans Saints hosting the Arizona Cardinals during the NFC Divisional Playoff Game at Louisana Superdome on January 16, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)
"The Tourist" World Premiere - Inside Arrivals(45 of50)
NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 06: Actor Brad Pitt attends the World premiere of 'The Tourist' at Ziegfeld Theatre on December 6, 2010 in New York City. (Photo by Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)
68th Annual Golden Globe Awards - Arrivals(46 of50)
BEVERLY HILLS, CA - JANUARY 16: Actor Brad Pitt (L) and actress Angelina Jolie arrive at the 68th Annual Golden Globe Awards held at The Beverly Hilton hotel on January 16, 2011 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)
Premiere Of Fox Searchlight Pictures' "The Tree Of Life" - Red Carpet(47 of50)
LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 24: Actor Brad Pitt arrives at premiere of Fox Searchlight Pictures' 'The Tree of Life' at Bing Theatre at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art on May 24, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)
"The Tree Of Life" Premiere - 64th Annual Cannes Film Festival(48 of50)
CANNES, FRANCE - MAY 16: Actor Brad Pitt attends 'The Tree Of Life' premiere during the 64th Annual Cannes Film Festival at Palais des Festivals on May 16, 2011 in Cannes, France. (Photo by Francois Durand/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)
Premiere Of Columbia Pictures' "Moneyball" - Red Carpet(49 of50)
OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 19: Actor Brad Pitt arrives at the premiere of Columbia Pictures' 'Moneyball' at the Paramount Theatre of the Arts on September 19, 2011 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Michael Buckner/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)
Premiere Of FilmDistrict's "In The Land Of Blood And Honey" - Arrivals(50 of50)
HOLLYWOOD, CA - DECEMBER 08: Actor Brad Pitt arrives at 'In the Land of Blood and Honey' premiere held at ArcLight Cinemas on December 8, 2011 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)