Understanding the Financial Aspect of Game of Thrones Actors
Have you ever wondered how much money the actors of Game of Thrones make? The hit HBO series has been a financial success for both the network and its cast members. In this article, we will delve into the earnings of the actors, their salaries, and the various ways they have been compensated for their roles in the show.
Base Salaries
When Game of Thrones first began, the actors were not paid exorbitant salaries. In fact, the initial salaries were relatively modest. For the first season, the actors received a base salary of around $50,000 per episode. However, as the show gained popularity, so did their earnings.
Season | Base Salary per Episode |
---|---|
1st Season | $50,000 |
2nd Season | $75,000 |
3rd Season | $100,000 |
4th Season | $125,000 |
5th Season | $150,000 |
6th Season | $250,000 |
7th Season | $300,000 |
As you can see from the table above, the base salary per episode increased significantly over the course of the series. By the time the final season rolled around, the actors were earning three times as much as they did in the first season.
Back-End Deals
In addition to their base salaries, the actors of Game of Thrones also received back-end deals. These deals were designed to compensate the actors for the success of the show, including residuals and profit participation. The back-end deals varied from actor to actor, but they were substantial.
For example, Peter Dinklage, who played Tyrion Lannister, received a back-end deal worth $1.2 million per episode. This deal included a percentage of the show’s profits, which meant that he stood to earn even more as the show’s success grew.
Other Compensation
Besides their salaries and back-end deals, the actors of Game of Thrones also received other forms of compensation. This included residuals, which are payments made to actors for each time their episode is aired. Additionally, the actors received a share of the show’s merchandising profits, which included everything from clothing to action figures.
Overall Earnings
When you combine the base salaries, back-end deals, residuals, and merchandising profits, the actors of Game of Thrones earned a significant amount of money. For example, Emilia Clarke, who played Daenerys Targaryen, earned an estimated $10 million for her role in the final season alone.
Here is a breakdown of the estimated earnings for some of the main cast members:
Actor | Estimated Earnings |
---|---|
Emilia Clarke | $10 million |
Peter Dinklage | $15 million |
Lena Headey | $8 million |
Kit Harington | $7 million |
Nikolaj Coster-Waldau | $6 million |
These figures are just estimates, but they give you an idea of the financial success that the actors of Game of Thrones have enjoyed.