Game of Thrones: A Financial Success Story

When it comes to the financial success of a television series, Game of Thrones stands out as a prime example. With its massive budget, sprawling cast, and global fanbase, the show has generated billions in revenue. But how much did the actors who brought Westeros to life make from their roles? Let’s dive into the numbers and explore the financial breakdown of the Game of Thrones cast.

Salary and Compensation

At the start of Game of Thrones, the actors were not the highest-paid on the show. However, as the series gained popularity, their salaries skyrocketed. The initial salary for the main cast members was reported to be around $50,000 per episode. By the end of the series, the lead actors were making upwards of $1 million per episode.

Actor	Season 1 Salary	Season 8 Salary
Emilia Clarke (Daenerys Targaryen)	$50,000	$1 million
Kit Harington (Jon Snow)	$50,000	$1 million
Lena Headey (Cersei Lannister)	$50,000	$1 million
Peter Dinklage (Tyrion Lannister)	$50,000	$1 million
Sansa Stark	$50,000	$1 million
Arya Stark	$50,000	$1 million
Bran Stark	$50,000	$1 million

It’s worth noting that these salaries do not include residuals, which are additional payments made to actors based on the number of times the show is aired or sold. Residuals can significantly boost an actor’s earnings, especially for a show as successful as Game of Thrones.

Residuals and Other Earnings

In addition to their salaries, the Game of Thrones cast also earned substantial residuals. With the show’s widespread success, the actors received a portion of the profits from streaming, home video sales, and merchandise. According to reports, Emilia Clarke, Kit Harington, and Lena Headey earned millions in residuals alone.

Moreover, the actors also benefited from the show’s massive merchandise line. From clothing and collectibles to books and video games, the Game of Thrones brand generated billions in revenue. The actors received a percentage of these profits, further boosting their earnings.

Post-Game of Thrones Success

The success of Game of Thrones has opened doors for many of the actors. Emilia Clarke, Kit Harington, and Lena Headey have all secured high-profile roles in movies and television shows since the series concluded. Their post-Game of Thrones earnings have continued to grow, with each actor commanding significant salaries and fees for their new projects.

For example, Emilia Clarke has starred in the hit series “Stranger Things” and has appeared in movies like “Last Night in Soho” and “The Northman.” Kit Harington has landed roles in “The Eternals” and “The Northman,” while Lena Headey has appeared in “The Last of Us” and “The Last Dance.” These new projects have not only solidified their status as A-list actors but have also added to their already impressive earnings.

Conclusion

Game of Thrones has been a financial bonanza for its cast, with actors like Emilia Clarke, Kit Harington, and Lena Headey earning millions from their roles. The show’s success has not only boosted their earnings but has also opened doors for new opportunities in their careers. As the series continues to generate revenue through streaming, residuals, and merchandise, the