In 2017, a list of the highest-paid actresses saw Emma Stone in the top spot. Stone starred in the critically-acclaimed "La La Land" then and is set for a new Netflix series this year. However, she isn't at the top of the actress list in 2018, as Scarlett Johansson now rules the rankings. This is thanks to her role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which may have a bit more of a run left before she won't be able to profit from it.

Johansson is highest-paid in 2018

In the MCU, moviegoers have become quite familiar with Scarlett Johansson as the comic book character Black Widow.

She first debuted in 2010's "Iron Man 2," and transitioned into the mega-hit Avengers film. Since then, she's been in three more Avengers Movies including the 2018 all-time box office smash, "Avengers: Infinity War." She's also starred in a few Captain America movies here or there.

According to Forbes, Johansson earned $40.5 million between June 1, 2017, and June 1, 2018. That was enough to give her the top spot ahead of an actress who hasn't been seen a whole lot recently on the screen. Angelia Jolie is No. 2 with $28 million, thanks to being paid in advance for her role in Disney's "Maleficient II." The movie arrives in 2020.

As for Johansson, she is going to benefit once again from appearing in next year's "Avengers 4" film, which doesn't have an official title yet, and which will wrap things up for that phase of the MCU.

She may also appear in her own standalone Black Widow movie, but it's unknown how well that will do for her. Still, it's hard to argue that playing a popular superheroine has done well for Scarlett Jo.

J-Law, Gal Gadot on top 10

A few other females who have portrayed superheroes in movies are also among the top 10 highest-paid actresses.

Jennifer Lawrence has been in quite a few films as Mystique, the blue mutant that is able to take on the appearance of other people. Lawrence is No. 4 on the list, trailing only Johansson, Jolie, and Jennifer Anniston.

There's also "Wonder Woman" and "Justice League" star Gal Gadot. She ranks at No. 10 on the actress list. According to Forbes, Gadot brought in $10 million over the year of earnings sampled.

She's set to make another on-screen run at success as the iconic DC superhero when she portrays Diana of Agron in "Wonder Woman 1984" set for release in 2019. Set photos from "Wonder Woman 2" have already been revealed.

Gal Gadot's initial appearance as Wonder Woman earned her just six figures but helped her command a higher payout for the sequel. The first movie, which served as a background story for the character, took in over $800 million at the box office.

Gadot also played the character in the superhero team-up film "Justice League," as well as in "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice." The role has helped her to join the top 10 list for the first time in her young career.

Other actresses who made the latest top 10 list included Reese Witherspoon at No. 5 and Cate Blanchett at No. 8 with $12.5 million earned. Missing from the top 10 were last year's list-topper Stone, as well as Emma Watson (from Harry Potter films) and Amy Adams.
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