“Game of Thrones” wasn’t just a global television phenomenon; it was a juggernaut that transformed its cast into household names. But have you ever wondered how much the actors earned for bringing George R.R. Martin’s world to life? From the icy terrain of the North to the fiery halls of King’s Landing, the show’s staggering budget extended to the salaries of its stars, making them some of the highest-paid actors in television history.
Over its eight-season reign, “Game of Thrones” not only became a cultural touchstone but also a goldmine for its cast. Actors like Emilia Clarke, Kit Harington, and Lena Headey reportedly earned jaw-dropping salaries per episode, especially in the latter seasons when the show’s popularity was at its peak. However, not all cast members were paid equally, and the pay disparities reflect their roles, screen time, and individual contracts negotiated over the years.
In this article, we’ll break down how much the “Game of Thrones” actors made, examine what contributed to their earnings, and take a closer look at the financial success of the show as a whole. From the main cast to secondary characters, we’ll leave no stone unturned. So, let’s dive into the world of Westeros and uncover the financial empires built by its stars.
Table of Contents
- Biography of Main Cast
- How Much Did the Main Cast Earn Per Episode?
- What Factors Influenced Their Salaries?
- Emilia Clarke: Net Worth and Salary
- Kit Harington: Net Worth and Salary
- Did the Supporting Cast Earn Less?
- Was There a Pay Gap in Game of Thrones?
- How Does It Compare to Other TV Shows?
- How Much Money Did the Show Generate?
- How Did Their Earnings Impact Their Careers?
- What Are the Net Worths of Other Cast Members?
- Did Any Actors Regret Joining the Show?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Biography of Main Cast
The leading stars of "Game of Thrones" came from diverse backgrounds and had varying levels of experience before joining the show. Let’s take a closer look at their personal details and early careers.
Personal Details of the Main Cast
| Actor | Character | Birth Date | Nationality | Key Roles Before Game of Thrones |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emilia Clarke | Daenerys Targaryen | October 23, 1986 | British | None (relatively unknown) |
| Kit Harington | Jon Snow | December 26, 1986 | British | Theatre performances such as "War Horse" |
| Lena Headey | Cersei Lannister | October 3, 1973 | British | Movies like "300" and "The Brothers Grimm" |
| Peter Dinklage | Tyrion Lannister | June 11, 1969 | American | Films like "The Station Agent" |
| Nikolaj Coster-Waldau | Jaime Lannister | July 27, 1970 | Danish | Movies such as "Nightwatch" |
The main cast became synonymous with their characters, and their performances were pivotal to the show’s success. But how much did they earn for their roles?
How Much Did the Main Cast Earn Per Episode?
During the peak seasons of "Game of Thrones," the main cast members were among the highest-paid actors in television history. By Season 7 and Season 8, the leading stars—Emilia Clarke, Kit Harington, Lena Headey, Peter Dinklage, and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau—were reportedly earning up to $500,000 per episode. With each season averaging 7-10 episodes, their annual earnings reached staggering amounts.
Here’s a breakdown of their reported salaries per episode:
- Emilia Clarke: $500,000
- Kit Harington: $500,000
- Lena Headey: $500,000
- Peter Dinklage: $500,000
- Nikolaj Coster-Waldau: $500,000
These salaries were a significant jump from the earlier seasons when the actors were reportedly earning around $150,000 per episode. The increase in pay reflects the show’s growing popularity and the actors’ pivotal roles in its success.
Did Their Salaries Increase Gradually?
Yes, the cast’s salaries increased significantly over the years. In the show’s initial seasons, the actors were relatively unknown and earned modest salaries compared to Hollywood standards. However, as "Game of Thrones" became a cultural phenomenon, the cast renegotiated their contracts, resulting in substantial pay raises by Season 5.
What Factors Influenced Their Salaries?
Several factors contributed to the salaries earned by the "Game of Thrones" cast:
- Screen Time: Actors with more screen time and major story arcs earned higher salaries.
- Character Importance: Key characters like Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen were integral to the plot, justifying higher pay.
- Contract Negotiations: Successful renegotiations, often handled by experienced agents, led to pay increases.
- Show Popularity: As the show gained global recognition, HBO invested more in retaining its stars.
- Group Negotiations: The main cast often negotiated as a unit, ensuring parity among the top-tier actors.
The pay disparities within the cast, however, were a topic of discussion among fans and industry experts. Let’s explore these disparities in greater detail.
Emilia Clarke: Net Worth and Salary
Emilia Clarke, who played Daenerys Targaryen, became one of the most recognizable faces of "Game of Thrones." Her earnings from the show, combined with endorsement deals and film roles, have significantly contributed to her net worth, which is estimated to be around $20 million as of 2023.
Clarke’s $500,000-per-episode salary in the later seasons made her one of the highest-paid actresses in television. Additionally, her post-"Game of Thrones" career has included roles in blockbuster films like "Solo: A Star Wars Story" and "Last Christmas."
Beyond acting, Clarke has leveraged her fame for philanthropy. She’s actively involved in several charitable initiatives, including her own foundation, SameYou, which focuses on brain injury recovery.
Kit Harington: Net Worth and Salary
Kit Harington, known for his portrayal of Jon Snow, also earned $500,000 per episode in the final seasons of "Game of Thrones." As of 2023, his net worth is estimated to be around $14 million. Harington’s earnings from the show constitute a significant portion of his wealth, but he has also appeared in films like "Pompeii" and Marvel’s "Eternals."
Harington’s role as Jon Snow was one of the most beloved in the series, and his character’s prominence undoubtedly played a role in his substantial earnings. He’s also set to reprise his role in a rumored "Game of Thrones" spin-off series, which could further boost his net worth.
Did the Supporting Cast Earn Less?
Yes, the supporting cast of "Game of Thrones" earned significantly less than the main cast. Actors like Sophie Turner (Sansa Stark) and Maisie Williams (Arya Stark) reportedly earned around $175,000 per episode in the later seasons. While these numbers are still impressive, they pale in comparison to the $500,000-per-episode salaries of the top-tier actors.
The pay gap among the cast members reflects the varying levels of screen time, character importance, and individual negotiation strategies. However, many of the supporting actors have gone on to achieve considerable success in their own right, leveraging their roles on "Game of Thrones" as a springboard for their careers.
Why Did the Supporting Cast Earn Less?
The supporting cast’s lower salaries can be attributed to several factors:
- Less screen time compared to the main cast.
- Fewer pivotal roles in the storyline.
- Smaller fan followings and less influence on the show’s overall success.
Despite these disparities, the supporting cast played crucial roles in enriching the complex narrative of "Game of Thrones."
Was There a Pay Gap in Game of Thrones?
While the main cast members achieved pay parity in the later seasons, disparities existed between the main and supporting cast. Additionally, some fans and critics have pointed out a potential gender pay gap, as male actors like Kit Harington reportedly negotiated higher salaries earlier in the series compared to their female counterparts.
However, by the final seasons, actresses like Emilia Clarke and Lena Headey earned the same $500,000-per-episode salaries as their male co-stars, reflecting a move towards pay equality.
How Does It Compare to Other TV Shows?
The salaries of "Game of Thrones" actors are among the highest in television history, rivaling those of other iconic shows like "Friends" and "The Big Bang Theory." For instance, the main cast of "Friends" famously earned $1 million per episode during the show’s final seasons, setting a benchmark for ensemble cast salaries.
Compared to these figures, the $500,000-per-episode salaries of the "Game of Thrones" main cast may seem modest, but they are still exceptional given the show’s ensemble nature and massive production costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much did Emilia Clarke earn from Game of Thrones?
Emilia Clarke earned approximately $500,000 per episode in the final seasons of "Game of Thrones," contributing significantly to her estimated net worth of $20 million.
2. Did all main cast members earn the same salary?
By the final seasons, the top-tier actors—Emilia Clarke, Kit Harington, Lena Headey, Peter Dinklage, and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau—earned $500,000 per episode. However, disparities existed in earlier seasons.
3. Was there a gender pay gap in Game of Thrones?
While some discrepancies were noted in the earlier seasons, female stars like Emilia Clarke and Lena Headey achieved pay parity with their male counterparts by the final seasons.
4. How much did Sophie Turner and Maisie Williams earn?
Sophie Turner and Maisie Williams reportedly earned around $175,000 per episode in the later seasons, significantly less than the main cast members.
5. How much money did Game of Thrones generate overall?
"Game of Thrones" generated billions in revenue for HBO through subscriptions, merchandise, and licensing deals, making it one of the most profitable television shows of all time.
6. Will there be spin-offs, and will the cast return?
Several spin-offs are in development, including a rumored Jon Snow series. While some cast members may return, details remain unconfirmed.
Conclusion
The cast of "Game of Thrones" not only brought their characters to life but also reaped substantial financial rewards for their efforts. From the $500,000-per-episode salaries of the main cast to the more modest earnings of the supporting actors, the show’s success translated into life-changing earnings for its stars. As we continue to revisit the world of Westeros through re-watches and spin-offs, the legacy of "Game of Thrones" and its cast will endure for years to come.
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