Alex Honnold Reveals 'Embarrassing' Netflix Payment for Historic Skyscraper Climb
Free solo climbing legend Alex Honnold has disclosed the substantial payment he received from Netflix for his breathtaking ascent of Taipei 101, one of the world's tallest skyscrapers. The 40-year-old daredevil completed the 508-meter climb without ropes, safety netting, or protective gear, relying solely on his bare hands and a bag of chalk.
The 'Embarrassing' Financial Details
In a revealing interview with the New York Times, Honnold described his Netflix compensation as "an embarrassing amount" while confirming it fell within the "mid-six figures" range. He provided context by comparing his payment to professional sports contracts, noting that Major League Baseball players receive contracts worth up to $170 million.
"Actually, if you put it in the context of mainstream sports, it's an embarrassingly small amount," Honnold acknowledged. "You know, Major League Baseball players get like $170 million contracts. Like, someone you haven't even heard of and that nobody cares about."
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The Death-Defying Ascent
Honnold's climb up the exterior of Taipei 101 took 91 minutes and 43 seconds to complete. He navigated the structure's decorative ornaments and unique architecture using small L-shaped outcroppings as footholds, with only his hands to propel himself upward. Despite the live broadcast setting and surrounding crowd, Honnold remained focused throughout the challenging ascent.
"Starting felt a little more nervous getting off the ground. And then as I climbed, I relaxed more and more. It's like, 'Oh, this is so fun.' I mean, this is why I do it. It was incredible," he shared.
Motivation Beyond Financial Gain
Interestingly, Honnold revealed that he would have undertaken the climb even without the Netflix program or financial compensation. His primary motivation stems from personal achievement and the sheer thrill of accomplishing what he knows he can do.
"If there was no TV program and the building gave me permission to go do the thing, I would do the thing because I know I can, and it'd be amazing," Honnold stated.
Honnold's Climbing Legacy
This latest feat adds to Honnold's impressive climbing resume, which includes his historic El Capitan ascent documented in the 2018 Oscar-winning film Free Solo. He also became the first person to scale a 1,143-meter sheer cliff in Greenland alongside climber Hazel Findlay. Reflecting on his Taipei 101 accomplishment, Honnold expressed the unique satisfaction of turning imagined possibilities into reality.
"It's incredible," he said after the climb. "You spend so long thinking about it and imagining that it's possible, but then to actually do it always feels different."
The Netflix special showcasing Honnold's Taipei 101 climb continues to generate significant attention in the extreme sports community, highlighting both the physical achievements and financial realities of professional daredevil athletes in today's entertainment landscape.
