Kit Harington, famed for his portrayal of Jon Snow in HBO’s epic Game of Thrones, eventually commanded a reported $500,000 per episode for the final two seasons. This lucrative figure reflected not only his rising star power but also the show’s immense global popularity and his pivotal role within its intricate narrative.
From Humble Beginnings to Westeros Royalty: A Look at Harington’s Rise
Harington’s journey from relative obscurity to one of the highest-paid actors on television is a testament to the power of a breakthrough role and the transformative potential of a cultural phenomenon like Game of Thrones. His early career saw him primarily on stage, honing his craft in productions like War Horse. He was virtually unknown to mainstream audiences when he landed the role of Jon Snow, the brooding bastard son from Winterfell.
The early seasons of Game of Thrones saw the cast paid relatively modest salaries. Actors’ fees were structured in tiers, with the primary stars like Sean Bean initially receiving the highest compensation. As the show gained traction and viewing figures soared, the core ensemble, including Harington, renegotiated their contracts to reflect their increased value to the production.
Harington’s performance, and the compelling arc of Jon Snow, quickly elevated him to one of the show’s central figures. His character’s journey from a young recruit of the Night’s Watch to a resurrected leader and claimant to the Iron Throne resonated deeply with audiences. This growing importance translated directly into increased leverage during contract negotiations.
The Half-Million Dollar Milestone: Negotiating for Power in the Final Seasons
The turning point came around seasons 7 and 8, the final two installments of the series. By this stage, Game of Thrones had become a global phenomenon, a cultural touchstone discussed and dissected across continents. Harington, along with his co-stars Emilia Clarke, Lena Headey, Peter Dinklage, and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, successfully negotiated a staggering $500,000 per episode.
This substantial increase reflected several factors:
- The Show’s Immense Popularity: Game of Thrones was a ratings juggernaut for HBO, breaking records and generating enormous revenue through subscriptions, merchandise, and international licensing. The actors’ salaries were a relatively small percentage of the overall profit.
- Their Pivotal Roles: The actors in question were the undisputed leads of the show. Their performances were crucial to its success, and the showrunners understood the necessity of keeping them happy.
- Negotiating Power: The actors banded together, leveraging their collective influence to negotiate for fair compensation. This collaborative approach proved highly effective.
- Market Value: Harington’s rising profile beyond Game of Thrones also played a role. His growing popularity made him a more valuable asset, both for the show and potentially for future projects on HBO.
While $500,000 per episode is a significant sum, it’s important to remember that this figure represents gross income. Agency fees, taxes, and other deductions would significantly reduce the net amount Harington received.
Beyond the Episode: Harington’s Overall Game of Thrones Fortune
While $500,000 per episode is a headline-grabbing number, it only represents a portion of Harington’s overall earnings from Game of Thrones. It’s crucial to consider the cumulative impact of his salary across all seasons.
Over the course of eight seasons, comprising 73 episodes, Harington’s total earnings are estimated to be in the tens of millions of dollars. This figure doesn’t include potential bonuses, royalties from merchandise sales, or other associated income streams.
Furthermore, the exposure and opportunities garnered from Game of Thrones have undoubtedly opened doors to lucrative film roles, endorsements, and other ventures, significantly increasing Harington’s overall net worth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions related to Kit Harington’s earnings and Game of Thrones salaries:
H3 FAQ 1: What was Kit Harington’s salary in the early seasons of Game of Thrones?
In the initial seasons, Harington’s salary was significantly lower than the $500,000 per episode he earned in the final two seasons. Early reports suggest he was likely earning in the range of $30,000 to $50,000 per episode during seasons 1 and 2. These figures are estimates, and the exact details of his early contracts remain confidential.
H3 FAQ 2: Did all the main actors earn the same amount in the final seasons?
While Emilia Clarke, Lena Headey, Peter Dinklage, and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau also reportedly earned $500,000 per episode in the final seasons, it’s impossible to definitively say that everyone received precisely the same amount. Minor variations may have existed based on specific contract terms and negotiating leverage.
H3 FAQ 3: How does Harington’s Game of Thrones salary compare to other actors on major TV shows?
Harington’s $500,000 per episode places him among the highest-paid actors on television. However, stars like Jim Parsons, Johnny Galecki, and Kaley Cuoco of The Big Bang Theory reportedly earned $1 million per episode in their final seasons. The exact figures vary depending on the show’s popularity, the actor’s star power, and the negotiation skills of their agents.
H3 FAQ 4: Did the Game of Thrones cast receive any back-end points or royalties?
Details about back-end points (a share of the show’s profits) and royalties are generally confidential. However, given the show’s immense profitability, it’s highly likely that the core cast received some form of financial participation beyond their per-episode salaries, especially in the later seasons.
H3 FAQ 5: How did the actors negotiate their salaries?
The actors reportedly worked together through their agents to collectively negotiate their salaries. This united front gave them greater leverage with HBO, as the network couldn’t afford to lose multiple key cast members.
H3 FAQ 6: What impact did the Game of Thrones salary have on Harington’s overall net worth?
Game of Thrones significantly boosted Harington’s net worth. While precise figures are difficult to verify, estimates place his net worth in the range of $12 million to $15 million, with a significant portion attributed to his earnings from the HBO series.
H3 FAQ 7: Did Harington’s salary affect the show’s budget?
While the actors’ salaries represented a substantial portion of the Game of Thrones budget, HBO invested heavily in the show’s production values, including visual effects, costumes, and location shooting. The show was a massive moneymaker for the network, justifying the high salaries paid to the main cast.
H3 FAQ 8: Was there any controversy surrounding the actors’ salaries?
While the actors’ high salaries attracted some attention, there was relatively little controversy. Most viewers understood that the actors were being compensated for their vital roles in a highly successful and profitable show.
H3 FAQ 9: Did Harington receive bonuses for specific episodes or achievements?
Details about specific bonuses are not publicly available. However, it’s possible that he received bonuses for particularly challenging or impactful episodes, or for reaching certain milestones within the series.
H3 FAQ 10: How are actor salaries determined in television shows like Game of Thrones?
Actor salaries are determined by a complex interplay of factors, including:
- The actor’s previous experience and track record
- The actor’s star power and market value
- The size and popularity of the show
- The actor’s role within the narrative
- The negotiating skills of the actor’s agent
- The budget constraints of the production company
H3 FAQ 11: Will Kit Harington continue to command such high salaries in future projects?
The success of Game of Thrones has undoubtedly enhanced Harington’s earning potential. He is likely to command higher salaries in future film and television projects compared to his pre-Game of Thrones days. However, the exact figures will depend on the specific project and his role within it.
H3 FAQ 12: Where can I find accurate information about actor salaries?
Accurate information about actor salaries is often difficult to obtain due to confidentiality agreements. However, reputable entertainment news outlets, such as Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, and Deadline, often publish reports and estimates based on industry sources. It’s important to remember that these figures are often estimates and should be treated with caution. Always rely on trusted and established sources.