Dylan Sprouse discloses shockingly low amount of ‘Suite Life’ residuals check

A five-cent payment

Sprouse discussed the payment on Tuesday’s episode of his “Wildmen” podcast, where he reunited with former co-star Phill Lewis. He said the sole residuals check he had received for “The Suite Life of Zack and Cody” was for five cents. Sprouse said the money came from the show’s 2006 crossover episode with “Hannah Montana.” He also described receiving no regular paychecks tied to the series, which aired from 2005 to 2008.

Popularity and repeated broadcasts

Sprouse recalled that showrunner Danny Kallis once brought a newspaper to the set reporting that the series was beating “The Sopranos” in ratings. He said the contrast with the lack of residuals still came to mind.

Lewis, who played hotel manager Marion Moseby, said the series aired in more than 90 countries. He recalled that episodes ran several times a night, with two episodes shown on a Tuesday and repeated throughout the day.

Contract and funding concerns

Lewis said the cast, which included Sprouse’s twin brother Cole, Brenda Song and Ashley Tisdale, signed what he called a “bizarre contract.” He alleged that it allowed the production to film many shows in a year while counting them as one season. Lewis said the arrangement meant the cast did not receive “bumps,” or increases in pay. Sprouse said the show was popular but underfunded, and described it as being treated like an “ugly duckling” by Disney Channel executives.

Another Disney actor weighs in

David Henrie, who starred in “Wizards of Waverly Place,” recently said he received little in residuals from that Disney Channel show. He made the remarks on the “Good Guys” podcast last month.

Henrie said there might be occasional small payments, but little overall. His comments came as Sprouse and Lewis discussed the financial terms of their own series.