
Understanding the Financial Aspect of Game of Thrones Cast
Have you ever wondered how much money the cast of Game of Thrones makes? The hit HBO series, which concluded in 2019, has been a topic of much discussion, especially when it comes to the financial rewards for its actors. In this article, we delve into the earnings of the cast members, providing a comprehensive overview of their financial gains from the show.
Base Salary and Per Episode Pay
When Game of Thrones first began, the cast members were not among the highest-paid actors in television. However, their salaries increased significantly over the course of the series. According to reports, the original cast members, including actors like Emilia Clarke, Kit Harington, and Peter Dinklage, were initially paid around $50,000 per episode. This amount was considered modest compared to other high-profile TV shows at the time.
As the series gained popularity, the cast’s salaries began to rise. By the final season, the main cast members were reportedly earning between $1 million and $1.5 million per episode. This increase was a result of the show’s growing success and the actors’ rising star power.
Back End Deals and Profit Participation
In addition to their base salaries, many of the cast members secured back end deals and profit participation. These deals allowed them to receive a percentage of the show’s profits, which can be a substantial sum of money. For instance, it was reported that Kit Harington’s back end deal was worth around $10 million, while Peter Dinklage’s was valued at approximately $20 million.
Profit participation is a common practice in the entertainment industry, and it can significantly boost an actor’s earnings. In the case of Game of Thrones, the cast members’ profit participation deals were a significant factor in their overall financial gains from the show.
Table: Game of Thrones Cast Salaries and Profit Participation
Actor | Base Salary per Episode | Back End Deal | Profit Participation |
---|---|---|---|
Emilia Clarke | $50,000 – $1.5 million | $10 million | $20 million |
Kit Harington | $50,000 – $1.5 million | $10 million | $20 million |
Peter Dinklage | $50,000 – $1.5 million | $20 million | $40 million |
Lena Headey | $50,000 – $1.5 million | $10 million | $20 million |
Nikolaj Coster-Waldau | $50,000 – $1.5 million | $10 million | $20 million |
Michelle Fairley | $50,000 – $1.5 million | $10 million | $20 million |
Sansa Stark | $50,000 – $1.5 million | $10 million | $20 million |
Other Cast Members and Their Earnings
While the main cast members received significant earnings from the show, other cast members also benefited from their roles in Game of Thrones. Actors like Maisie Williams, who played Arya Stark, and Sophie Turner, who portrayed Sansa Stark, also secured lucrative contracts. Reports suggest that Williams and Turner earned around $300,000 per episode, with additional profit participation deals.
Additionally, supporting actors like Isaac Hempstead-Wright, who played Bran Stark, and Gwendoline Christie, who portrayed Brienne of Tarth, also received substantial paychecks. Hempstead-W