Zoe Saldaña recently cemented her status as Hollywood's ultimate box office champion. Following the phenomenal success of Avatar: Fire and Ash, which crossed the $1 billion mark, the actress's cumulative leading role earnings have reached an unprecedented $15.4 billion globally. This remarkable achievement places her at the pinnacle of the industry, thanks to her strategic involvement in cinema's most lucrative franchises. Her portfolio spans James Cameron's Avatar trilogy, multiple Marvel Cinematic Universe blockbusters, and the Star Trek reboot series. With such an impressive array of box office juggernauts under her belt, Saldaña's position seems unassailable—yet 2026 may bring a dramatic shift in this hierarchy.
Enter Chris Pratt, Saldaña's former Guardians of the Galaxy co-star and a formidable box office draw in his own right. While currently trailing at $14.1 billion in leading role revenues, Pratt stands on the verge of a potential coup that could see him claim the coveted title of highest-grossing actor by year's end. His path to box office supremacy runs through two of 2026's most anticipated releases, though another Marvel veteran looms as a potential spoiler.
Pratt's box office credentials are substantial and diverse. Beyond his MCU appearances as Star-Lord, he headlined the Jurassic World trilogy, with each installment surpassing the $1 billion threshold. His voice acting has proven equally lucrative, with The Super Mario Bros. Movie becoming the highest-grossing video game adaptation ever at $1.362 billion, and The Lego Movie establishing itself as another animated hit. This combination of live-action blockbusters and animated smashes has positioned Pratt as one of the most bankable stars of his generation.
The linchpin of Pratt's 2026 box office assault is The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, slated for an April release. Universal Pictures has demonstrated masterful timing by positioning the sequel in the same early-April window that proved golden for both its predecessor and this year's Minecraft Movie phenomenon. The first Super Mario Bros. Movie defied all expectations, transforming from a questionable video game adaptation into a cultural event that generated $1.362 billion worldwide. The sequel expands the Mushroom Kingdom universe with new characters and adventures, building on the established formula that made the original a global sensation.
Industry analysts project that The Super Mario Galaxy Movie could match or potentially exceed its predecessor's performance. For Pratt, who voices the iconic plumber Mario, the financial implications are staggering. A performance comparable to the first film would add approximately $1.3 billion to his leading role total, catapulting him to roughly $15.4 billion—virtually tying him with Saldaña. Even a slightly more conservative outcome would place him within striking distance of the record, setting up a potential photo finish for box office supremacy.
The mathematics are straightforward: Pratt's current $14.1 billion baseline, plus projected earnings from the sci-fi thriller Mercy (which will provide a modest boost), combined with the Mario sequel's anticipated haul, creates a clear trajectory toward the top spot. The April release date gives the film ample time to complete its theatrical run before year's end, ensuring its impact will be fully reflected in 2026's final box office tallies.
However, Pratt's ascent is not guaranteed. Another wildcard exists in the form of Avengers: Doomsday, scheduled for December 2026. This monumental MCU event promises to reshape the franchise's landscape and will feature an extensive roster of Marvel heroes. While Pratt's Star-Lord appears to have concluded his primary arc in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, the multiverse-spanning nature of Doomsday leaves the door open for a surprise appearance. Even a cameo role would contribute to Pratt's yearly total, potentially providing the extra push needed to definitively surpass Saldaña rather than merely tying her.
Yet Pratt must also contend with the same factor that helped elevate Saldaña: Robert Downey Jr. The Iron Man actor's return to the MCU in a new capacity has generated immense buzz, and his involvement in Doomsday could significantly boost his own box office totals. While Downey's current standing isn't detailed in the available information, his participation in what promises to be one of the year's biggest films makes him a dark horse candidate in this box office race. The Marvel connection that helped Saldaña reach the summit could similarly benefit Downey, potentially creating a three-way battle for box office supremacy.
The broader context reveals fascinating trends about modern Hollywood. Voice acting in animated blockbusters now carries equal weight to live-action performances in determining an actor's commercial clout. Pratt's dual success in both realms mirrors Saldaña's strategy of aligning with proven franchise properties. The Avatar films, Marvel movies, and now the Mario series represent the pinnacle of event cinema—films that transcend traditional demographics to become global phenomena.
This competition also highlights the evolving nature of box office records. Modern totals are increasingly dominated by franchise participation rather than traditional star vehicles. Both Saldaña and Pratt have built their numbers through strategic roles in cinematic universes rather than relying solely on individual drawing power. This shift reflects audience preferences for familiar worlds and characters over original concepts.
As 2026 unfolds, the entertainment industry will watch closely to see whether Pratt can complete his ascent. The Super Mario Galaxy Movie's performance will be scrutinized not just for its own merits, but for its impact on this historic box office race. Will Pratt join Saldaña in the $15 billion club? Can he surpass her to become the undisputed champion? And will Downey Jr. emerge as the ultimate spoiler in this Marvel-infused competition?
The answers will come into focus as the year progresses, but one thing is certain: the battle for box office supremacy has never been more intriguing. With animated sequels, superhero epics, and established franchises driving the numbers, 2026 promises to rewrite the record books in ways that reflect cinema's current blockbuster-driven ecosystem. Whether Pratt claims the throne or Saldaña maintains her reign, this competition exemplifies the new metrics of stardom in the franchise era.