The cast of Game of Thrones, HBO’s epic fantasy drama, commanded some of the highest salaries in television history, reaching up to $500,000 per episode for its leading stars during the final seasons. This monumental compensation reflected the show’s unparalleled global success, critical acclaim, and the integral role these actors played in bringing George R.R. Martin’s complex world to life.
The Evolution of Thrones’ Compensation Structure
The actors’ salaries didn’t start at the staggering levels they ultimately achieved. Understanding the trajectory of their earnings provides crucial context.
From Ensemble to Power Players
In the initial seasons, Game of Thrones operated on a more traditional ensemble cast model. This meant lower, standardized pay rates for a larger group of actors. Think of it as a relatively modest investment, reflecting the uncertainty surrounding the show’s initial reception. As the series gained momentum, the core cast members recognized their growing importance and began negotiating for significant pay increases.
Tiered Salary System Takes Shape
By the middle seasons, a tiered salary system began to emerge. Actors were categorized based on their prominence and screen time. This meant that characters like Tyrion Lannister (Peter Dinklage), Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke), and Jon Snow (Kit Harington) were commanding significantly higher paychecks than supporting characters. This tiered approach is standard practice in long-running television series, rewarding those who consistently deliver ratings and critical acclaim.
The $500,000 Club and Beyond
The final two seasons of Game of Thrones saw the five leading actors – Emilia Clarke, Peter Dinklage, Kit Harington, Lena Headey, and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau – negotiate equal pay, reaching the aforementioned $500,000 per episode mark. This move was a testament to their collective star power and the show’s reliance on their characters to drive the narrative. While other cast members also received substantial increases, they generally didn’t reach this top-tier level.
The Impact of Game of Thrones on Actor Compensation
Game of Thrones significantly impacted the landscape of actor compensation in television. It set a new precedent for what leading actors on a successful show could demand, particularly in the realm of genre television.
Raising the Bar for High-Quality Drama
The show’s massive viewership and critical acclaim empowered actors to negotiate for better deals across the industry. Networks became more willing to invest heavily in talent, recognizing the direct correlation between high-profile actors and audience engagement. This led to a general increase in salaries for leading actors in high-quality drama series.
Normalizing Equal Pay Negotiations
The decision of the five leading actors to negotiate for equal pay was a groundbreaking moment. It highlighted the importance of fair compensation for actors of equal prominence and screen time, regardless of gender or perceived market value. This set a positive example for other actors and industries, promoting the concept of equal pay for equal work.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Game of Thrones Actor Salaries
Here are some frequently asked questions about the salaries of the Game of Thrones cast:
1. How much did the child actors make on Game of Thrones?
While their exact salaries remain confidential, it’s highly likely that the child actors on Game of Thrones were paid significantly less than the adult cast members. Child actors generally receive lower rates, often negotiated by their parents or guardians, and their compensation is subject to child labor laws.
2. Were the actors paid residuals for Game of Thrones reruns and streaming?
Yes, the actors are likely receiving residuals for reruns and streaming of Game of Thrones. Residuals are payments made to actors for the continued use of their work after the initial broadcast or release. These payments are governed by union agreements (SAG-AFTRA) and depend on factors like the number of times the show is aired or streamed.
3. Did George R.R. Martin make more money than the actors?
It’s almost certain that George R.R. Martin, as the author of the source material, made significantly more money than the actors. He retained the rights to his books and received royalties for every adaptation, including the HBO series. These royalties, combined with book sales, would likely dwarf the actors’ salaries.
4. Did the actors’ salaries affect the show’s budget or production value?
Undoubtedly, the rising salaries of the actors impacted the show’s budget. The production of Game of Thrones was already incredibly expensive, with elaborate sets, costumes, and visual effects. As the actors’ salaries increased, the production team had to find ways to balance the budget, potentially impacting other areas like special effects or location filming.
5. How did the actors negotiate their salaries on Game of Thrones?
The actors likely negotiated their salaries through their agents and managers. These representatives are skilled negotiators who advocate for their clients’ best interests. Negotiations would have involved factors like the show’s ratings, the actors’ individual popularity, and comparable salaries in the industry.
6. What were the salaries of supporting actors like Maisie Williams and Sophie Turner?
While Maisie Williams (Arya Stark) and Sophie Turner (Sansa Stark) became increasingly prominent throughout the series, their initial salaries were likely lower than the leading actors. As their characters gained importance, their salaries would have increased significantly, although probably not to the $500,000 per episode level of the top tier.
7. How did HBO afford to pay the Game of Thrones cast such high salaries?
HBO could afford the high salaries due to the show’s immense popularity and profitability. Game of Thrones generated billions of dollars in revenue through subscriptions, merchandise, international sales, and syndication. This financial success allowed HBO to invest heavily in talent and production.
8. Did the actors receive any bonuses or profit sharing from Game of Thrones?
While specific details are confidential, it’s possible that the actors received bonuses or profit sharing based on the show’s performance. Such arrangements are common in the entertainment industry, particularly for successful projects.
9. How does Game of Thrones actor salary compare to other popular TV shows?
The salaries of the leading actors on Game of Thrones were exceptionally high compared to most other television shows. Only a few series, such as “Friends” and “The Big Bang Theory,” have reached similar levels of compensation for their main cast members.
10. What are the implications of these high salaries for the future of television?
The high salaries paid to the Game of Thrones cast set a precedent for actors demanding higher compensation. It also highlights the increasing importance of talent in driving the success of television shows and streaming services. This trend is likely to continue, with actors leveraging their popularity to negotiate for better deals.
11. Did any of the actors take a pay cut to allow for better special effects or other aspects of the show?
There’s no publicly available information to suggest that any of the actors took a pay cut to benefit other aspects of the show. While collaborative relationships are common on set, salary negotiations are typically separate from production decisions.
12. What is the lasting impact of Game of Thrones on the actors’ careers and financial prospects?
Game of Thrones catapulted its cast members to international stardom, significantly boosting their careers and financial prospects. The exposure and recognition gained from the show opened doors to numerous opportunities in film, television, and other ventures, allowing them to command higher salaries and endorsements. The experience fundamentally reshaped their careers and financial standing.