The monumental success of HBO's "Game of Thrones" not only captivated millions of fans but also transformed its cast into global superstars with hefty paychecks. The show's sprawling storyline, intricate characters, and epic battles made it a cultural phenomenon. However, behind the scenes, the series' top-tier cast earned salaries that reflected its immense popularity and production scale. Have you ever wondered how much your favorite characters earned per episode? Let's dive into the fascinating world of "Game of Thrones" salaries.
As one of the most expensive television productions in history, "Game of Thrones" spared no expense when assembling its ensemble cast. From the main protagonists to the supporting characters, the show's actors enjoyed lucrative contracts, particularly during later seasons when the series' popularity was at its peak. The lead actors, often referred to as "The Big Five," negotiated impressive deals that made headlines across the entertainment industry.
In this article, we'll break down the salaries of the "Game of Thrones" cast per episode, explore how these figures evolved over the show's eight-season run, and uncover the financial dynamics of one of television's greatest successes. From Emilia Clarke to Kit Harington, we'll also examine how these paychecks reflect their pivotal roles in shaping the series. Stay tuned as we unravel the numbers behind the magic of Westeros!
Table of Contents
- Biography of the Main Cast
- What is the Salary of Game of Thrones’ Big Five Per Episode?
- Did the Cast Salaries Increase in Later Seasons?
- How Much Did Emilia Clarke Earn Per Episode?
- Kit Harington’s Salary in Game of Thrones
- Did All Cast Members Earn Equally?
- Supporting Cast Salaries in Game of Thrones
- How Salaries Reflected Character Popularity?
- Who Was the Highest-Paid Actor in the Show?
- How Much Did Peter Dinklage Make Per Episode?
- Comparison with Other Major TV Series
- How Negotiations Shaped the Final Seasons’ Salaries?
- Game of Thrones Cast Salary vs Production Budget
- Post-Game of Thrones Career Impact
- Conclusion
Biography of the Main Cast
The iconic cast of "Game of Thrones" included some of the most talented actors in the industry, many of whom became household names thanks to their roles in the series. Here's a closer look at the main cast members who brought the world of Westeros to life:
| Name | Character | Date of Birth | Nationality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emilia Clarke | Daenerys Targaryen | October 23, 1986 | British |
| Kit Harington | Jon Snow | December 26, 1986 | British |
| Peter Dinklage | Tyrion Lannister | June 11, 1969 | American |
| Lena Headey | Cersei Lannister | October 3, 1973 | British |
| Nikolaj Coster-Waldau | Jaime Lannister | July 27, 1970 | Danish |
What is the Salary of Game of Thrones’ Big Five Per Episode?
The "Big Five" refers to Emilia Clarke, Kit Harington, Peter Dinklage, Lena Headey, and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, who were the highest-paid actors on the show. During the final seasons, each of them earned an estimated $1.2 million per episode. This astronomical figure made them some of the highest-paid actors in television history.
Their salaries were a reflection of their pivotal roles in the storyline and their ability to draw massive audiences. These paychecks also highlighted the show's financial success, as HBO spared no expense in retaining its key players.
Did the Cast Salaries Increase in Later Seasons?
Yes, the cast salaries increased significantly as the series progressed. During the initial seasons, the actors earned relatively modest amounts, ranging from $100,000 to $300,000 per episode. However, as the show's popularity soared, so did their paychecks. By Season 7 and Season 8, the "Big Five" were earning over $1 million per episode, reflecting the show's global success and the actors' increased bargaining power.
How Much Did Emilia Clarke Earn Per Episode?
Emilia Clarke, who portrayed the iconic Daenerys Targaryen, earned an estimated $1.2 million per episode during the final seasons. Her character's journey from a timid princess to a powerful queen captivated audiences, making her one of the most beloved figures in the series. Clarke's earnings mirrored her character's significance and the monumental fanbase she garnered over the years.
Kit Harington’s Salary in Game of Thrones
Kit Harington, best known as Jon Snow, was another top earner on the show. Like Emilia Clarke, he earned $1.2 million per episode during the final seasons. His portrayal of the brooding, honorable hero made him a fan favorite and a central figure in the series' narrative. Harington's salary reflected his importance to the show's success.
Did All Cast Members Earn Equally?
No, not all cast members earned equally. While the "Big Five" commanded the highest salaries, other actors received significantly lower paychecks. For instance, supporting cast members and newcomers earned between $10,000 and $50,000 per episode, depending on their roles and screen time. The disparity in salaries often reflected the characters' prominence in the storyline and the actors' marketability.
Supporting Cast Salaries in Game of Thrones
The supporting cast of "Game of Thrones" played a crucial role in bringing the world of Westeros to life. While their salaries were lower than the main cast, they still earned impressive sums compared to other television actors. Notable supporting actors like Maisie Williams (Arya Stark) and Sophie Turner (Sansa Stark) earned approximately $175,000–$200,000 per episode during the later seasons.
How Salaries Reflected Character Popularity?
Character popularity played a significant role in determining salaries. Actors portraying fan-favorite characters or those with pivotal story arcs often negotiated higher pay. For example, Peter Dinklage's portrayal of Tyrion Lannister earned him critical acclaim, multiple awards, and a top-tier salary.
Who Was the Highest-Paid Actor in the Show?
The "Big Five" actors—Emilia Clarke, Kit Harington, Peter Dinklage, Lena Headey, and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau—shared the title of highest-paid actors on the show, each earning $1.2 million per episode in the final seasons. Their equal pay highlighted their collective importance to the series' success.
How Much Did Peter Dinklage Make Per Episode?
Peter Dinklage, who played Tyrion Lannister, earned $1.2 million per episode during the final seasons. His brilliant portrayal of the witty, sharp-tongued character made him a standout performer and a fan favorite throughout the show's run.
Comparison with Other Major TV Series
When compared to other major TV series, the salaries of the "Game of Thrones" cast were among the highest in television history. For instance, the main cast of "Friends" famously earned $1 million per episode during the final seasons, while the stars of "The Big Bang Theory" and "Stranger Things" also commanded six-figure salaries. "Game of Thrones" cast salaries reflected the show's immense scale and global appeal.
How Negotiations Shaped the Final Seasons’ Salaries?
Salary negotiations played a crucial role in shaping the final seasons’ pay structure. The "Big Five" used their collective bargaining power to secure equal pay, ensuring that their contributions to the series were adequately recognized. These negotiations set a precedent for future television contracts in the industry.
Game of Thrones Cast Salary vs Production Budget
The salaries of the "Game of Thrones" cast were a significant portion of the show’s overall production budget. With each episode costing approximately $10–$15 million to produce in the final seasons, the actors’ salaries accounted for a substantial percentage. Despite this, the show’s massive revenue from merchandise, DVD sales, and streaming deals justified these expenses.
Post-Game of Thrones Career Impact
For many cast members, "Game of Thrones" served as a career-defining project. The show catapulted them to international fame, opening doors to lucrative opportunities in film, television, and endorsements. Emilia Clarke and Kit Harington, for instance, became sought-after actors in Hollywood, while Peter Dinklage continued to earn critical acclaim for his performances.
Conclusion
The salaries of the "Game of Thrones" cast per episode were a testament to the show’s monumental success and cultural impact. From the "Big Five" earning $1.2 million per episode to the supporting cast members who brought depth to the story, the paychecks reflected the series’ global popularity. As one of the most expensive shows ever produced, "Game of Thrones" set new benchmarks for television salaries, leaving an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.
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