Don't get why your one is so down voted you're right, so what if he was making tonnes of money off a singular role, he worked to be in that position with or without having a semi beneficial start but with his performances pre and post that movie he went on to reap the rewards as he should.

For some reason I kinda recognise the story you're telling, either it's been around for a while in the rumour mill or it very much might be true.