James McAvoy Reveals Split Continues to Generate the Most Residual Income
James McAvoy revealed that his 2016 psychological thriller Split, directed by M. Night Shyamalan, remains the film that continues to report the most money to him in terms of consistent residual payouts. Speaking on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, the actor explained how the film’s rapid profitability and modest budget created an ongoing stream of revenue that outpaces his highest-grossing blockbusters.
Actor James McAvoy disclosed that despite starring in massive box-office hits like X-Men: Days of Future Past, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and X-Men: Apocalypse, it is his work in M. Night Shyamalan’s Split that continues, today still, to report the most money to him regularly. While major franchise films generate enormous initial ticket sales, contractual residual payments function differently, rewarding actors based on a film’s production budget, speed of profitability, and long-term home video and streaming exploitation.
Residuals operate similarly to copyright royalties, paying performers a portion of revenue every time a completed project airs on television, streams on a platform, or sells on physical media. McAvoy noted that while many residual checks amount to negligible sums—sometimes totaling mere cents—Split yields returns year after year.
How Split Achieved Instant Profitability
The financial longevity of Split stems directly from its exceptionally low production budget paired with an immediate opening-weekend box office return. Produced on a budget of $9 million, the thriller grossed over $278 million globally during its theatrical run.
James McAvoy reveal that he still gets residuals from SPLIT (2017):“I think it was made for like $6 million… they spent 30 advertising it. In our first weekend, we made 40, so we were in profit. Our first residual check came at the end of the first weekend. It was bonkers.” pic.twitter.com/O9LpxSZVvR
— https://x.com/mcavoyfiles/status/2110788544331739546
McAvoy recalled receiving residual compensation immediately following the film’s debut. We received our first check for residuals at the end of the first weekend,
McAvoy said on the podcast. It was completely crazy.
Because the production costs and marketing expenses were recouped almost instantly, every subsequent transaction involving DVD sales, digital rentals, and television syndication fed directly into ongoing payouts for the cast.
M. Night Shyamalan and the Value of Production Discipline
McAvoy credited director M. Night Shyamalan for engineering the financial and creative structure that made Split a long-term asset. Shyamalan maintained strict fiscal discipline across both Split and its sequel, Glass.
The actor praised Shyamalan’s meticulous preparation on set, noting that the filmmaker maximized every scheduled day of shooting and every individual camera setup. He has made this film, as well as its sequel, Glass, on extremely modest budgets,
McAvoy observed, explaining how the director’s precise vision allowed the entire technical crew to work with maximum efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are residual payments for actors?
Residuals are ongoing financial compensation paid to actors whenever a film or television project is re-aired, streamed, or sold on physical formats after its initial release.
How much did Split cost to make and how much did it earn?
Split was produced on a budget of $9 million and went on to gross more than $278 million worldwide at the box office.
What are James McAvoy’s highest-grossing films at the box office?
McAvoy’s highest-grossing films by total box-office receipts include X-Men: Days of Future Past, which earned $747.9 million, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and X-Men: Apocalypse.