David Krumholtz opens up about surprisingly small residual payments

David Krumholtz has shared a candid look at the reality of Hollywood residual payments, revealing that his earnings from the hugely successful The Santa Clause franchise are far lower than many fans might expect.

The actor, who portrayed Bernard the Head Elf in the 1994 holiday classic The Santa Clause and its 2002 sequel, said the residual checks he receives from the franchise have steadily decreased over the years despite the films’ enduring popularity.

Speaking during a recent press event, Krumholtz explained that residual payments often shrink as a project continues to air and generate revenue over time.

According to the actor, his current annual earnings from the franchise amount to roughly $150.

Moreover, Krumholtz noted that the payments were considerably larger when the films were first released, but have since declined due to the way residual structures are calculated. 

As per Daily Mail, the actor returned briefly to the franchise in Disney+’s The Santa Clauses series, which brought several familiar characters back to the North Pole.

The 48-year-old also joked about the residuals he received from his role in Christopher Nolan’s acclaimed 2023 blockbuster Oppenheimer. 

When asked about the payment, Krumholtz revealed that his latest residual check was just $12.73, quipping that it was only enough to buy a hot dog in New York.