How Much Did Sully Get Paid for the Miracle on the Hudson Movie?

In this article, We will discuss How Much Did Sully Get Paid for the Miracle on the Hudson Movie. Sully reportedly earned $3.5 million for selling the movie rights to his “Miracle on the Hudson” story. Learn how this compared to Tom Hanks’ pay and the box office success that made Sully’s biopic deal so lucrative.

In 2016, Hollywood brought the incredible true story of Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger and his “Miracle on the Hudson” landing to the big screen. The Clint Eastwood film “Sully”, starring Tom Hanks as the famed pilot, went on to become a major box office success raking in over $240 million worldwide.

But how much did Sully earn for selling the rights to his life story and serving as a consultant on the Warner Bros. movie? Let’s analyze Sully’s financial windfall from the Hollywood dramatization of his Hudson River heroics.

Sully’s Miraculous Emergency Landing

First, a quick recap of the historical event that inspired the biopic:

• On January 15, 2009, Sully piloted US Airways Flight 1549 from New York’s LaGuardia Airport to Charlotte, North Carolina.
• Shortly after takeoff, the Airbus A320 struck a flock of geese causing both engines to lose thrust.
• Unable to reach any runway with no power, Sully took the rare step of ditching the commercial airliner in the Hudson River.
• All 155 passengers and crew aboard survived the emergency water landing, deemed the “Miracle on the Hudson.”
• Sully was hailed a national hero for his incredible flying skills and calm under immense pressure that saved so many lives.

Sully’s incredible story attracted Hollywood’s attention for a major motion picture adaptation. But how much could Sully expect to earn from the deal?

Read also: Why Did Sully Lose His Pension

Reported Figure for Sully’s Movie Deal

According to financial reports, Sully received the following amount for the rights to his story:

• $3.5 million – The upfront payment Sully received from Warner Bros. for the film rights and his consulting services.

Given Sully wasn’t a celebrity before the Hudson landing, a $3.5 million deal reflects major compensation for his life rights.

For comparison, other average citizens selling their biopic rights have received amounts from tens of thousands to a few hundred thousand dollars.

As a national figure, Sully was able to command top dollar with his fame and the desirability of his incredible underdog story for a major studio movie.

How Sully’s Pay Compared to Tom Hanks

Tom Hanks, two-time Oscar winner and the highest-paid actor starring as Sully, reportedly received:

• $15 million – Tom Hanks’ salary for playing the lead role in Sully.

So while Sully made $3.5 million on the deal, the star portraying him earned over 4 times that amount for the acting role itself.

This pay disparity is typical since celebrities have major box office draws that warrant huge salaries. Sully was aptly compensated for his rights, but not equivalent to an A-list movie star’s paycheck.

U.S. Box Office Earnings from Sully

In total, the Sully theatrical release earned an impressive:

• $125 million – The domestic U.S. box office gross for Sully the movie.
• $115 million – The international box office gross outside of North America.

That’s an exceptional global gross of $240 million against a budget of only $60 million. This was a major financial success for Warner Bros.

While Sully received his $3.5 million upfront regardless, the blockbuster returns further justified the studio’s investment in acquiring his inspirational story.

Why Studios Pay Large Sums for Biopics

Sully’s substantial payday reflects what studios are willing to shell out for real-life stories like:

• Pre-Awareness – Sully was already famous, meaning built in audience interest.
• Inspirational Story – Underdog overcoming impossible odds is compelling.
• Reassuring Uplift – Feel-good stories are commercially successful.
• Historical Significance – Culturally important events that touch the public psyche.
• Marketing Appeal – Real stories instantly convey the movie’s premise.
• Prestige Factor – Serious biopics win awards and critical acclaim.

While not all biopics pan out commercially, the most sought-after real-life stories can generate big box office and awards potential. For Sully, these factors justified the multi-million dollar rights deal.

How Sully Likely Spent His Film Earnings

According to reports, after the movie deal Sully:

• Donated money to charity and non-profits related to aviation safety.
• Invested in rental real estate properties.
• Saved and invested portions for his retirement.
• Shared with family and supported loved ones.

Based on these accounts, Sully seems to have managed his movie windfall prudently without splurging lavishly. His reputation suggests modest spending along with philanthropic donations.

Sully’s Overall Wealth and Career Earnings

In totality, Sully’s wealth and cumulative career earnings comprised:

• Military salary – As an Air Force pilot for 29 years from 1970-1999.
• Commercial pilot – 28 years with airlines, primarily US Airways until 2009.
• $3-$4 million in total for books on the Hudson Landing.
• Speaking fees for appearances, are estimated in the tens of thousands.
• Continued work as an aviation consultant.
• Stock options – From US Airways where he was a senior pilot.

Based on his long aviator career, Sully maintains an admirable net worth estimated up to $10 million even before the movie deal.

Final Thoughts on How Much Did Sully Get Paid for the Movie

The “Miracle on the Hudson” continues paying off for Captain Sully Sullenberger years later thanks to the Hollywood biopic treatment. Though already financially comfortable from his storied aviation career, the movie rights took his wealth up another level.

Sully earned every penny through his quick thinking and piloting skills that saved 155 souls that day. For living a life of integrity and service, he certainly deserves the book and movie windfalls as further reward.

Unlike some instant celebrities, Sully has handled the added income responsibly and ethically consistent with his character. He remains one of the most inspirational pilot icons in history.