Morgan Freeman Says Pay Can Outweigh a Weak Script as He Nears 90

Morgan Freeman says salary is still a major factor when deciding whether to accept a film role, even if the script is not perfect.

In an interview with The New York Times, the 89-year-old actor said that while a strong script is important, pay often influences his decision. "If they're going to pay you enough, then you overlook some of the glitches in the script," Freeman said. He added that actors can sometimes suggest changes to improve a script before filming.

Freeman, who won an Academy Award for Million Dollar Baby and has starred in films including The Dark Knight, Se7en, Invictus and Driving Miss Daisy, said he has no plans to retire.

"I'll work as long as I can," he said, adding that he follows the same approach as Clint Eastwood: "Don't let the old man in."

When asked about dream roles he has yet to play, Freeman joked that those parts would now go to Denzel Washington.

Freeman most recently returned for season three of Lioness, which premiered on Paramount+ earlier this week.