{
  "id": 313513,
  "title": "Morgan Freeman admits the scripts don't have to be good if the money is",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/07/morgan-freeman-admits-the-scripts-dont-have-to-be-good-if-the-money-is",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-07T04:21:04.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The A.V. Club",
    "slug": "the-a-v-club",
    "url": "https://www.avclub.com/morgan-freeman-admits-the-scripts-dont-have-to-be-good-if-the-money-is"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Morgan Freeman, now 89 years old, has grown accustomed to being a respected elder statesman in Hollywood, accepting compliments like \"I just basically play myself in everything these days\" without issue. In an interview with The New York Times, Freeman shared his candid thoughts on what draws him to particular scripts. According to the actor, while a well-written script is always appreciated, the most important factors are the financial compensation and, secondly, the level of interest in the project. Freeman hinted that a substantial paycheck could sometimes overshadow the script's flaws, but he did not name any specific films where this was the case. However, the actor did mention that, as is often the case, any issues with the script can be rectified as he delivers his lines, thanks to the industry's willingness to make changes. Currently, Freeman is featured in the third season of his Paramount+ series, Lioness, which airs on Monday nights.",
  "summary": "The 89-year-old vet acknowledged he can handle a few script \"glitches\" if \"they’re going to pay you enough.\"",
  "key_points": [
    "Morgan Freeman, 89, remains Hollywood elder statesman",
    "Financial compensation, interest rank higher than script quality",
    "Freeman's issues rectified in delivery, industry allows changes"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}