Aayush Pathak
In a candid interview on the popular talk show “Watch What Happens Live,” two-time Oscar winner Cate Blanchett stunned audiences with her revelation about the pay for the Lord of the Rings films. When host Andy Cohen guessed that the trilogy, in which Blanchett portrayed the powerful elf Galadriel, had brought her the biggest paycheck, the actress quickly dispelled that notion.
A Surprising Revelation
“Are you kidding me? No, no one got paid anything to do that movie,” Blanchett stated emphatically. When Cohen followed up by asking if she had received a percentage of the profits, known as a “backend deal,” the 55-year-old actress firmly replied, “No! That was way before any of that, no nothing.”
Blanchett went on to explain that her primary motivation for taking on the role was the opportunity to work with director Peter Jackson, known for his cult classic “Braindead.” She jokingly added, “I mean, I basically got free sandwiches and I got to keep my ears, which is something, they fed me. No, no one got paid anything.”
The Lord of the Rings Phenomenon
The Lord of the Rings trilogy, based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s beloved fantasy novels, went on to become one of the most successful film franchises of all time. The three films – “The Fellowship of the Ring,” “The Two Towers,” and “The Return of the King” – collectively grossed nearly $3 billion at the worldwide box office, according to Box Office Mojo.
Despite the trilogy’s massive success, Blanchett and her co-stars, which included Ian McKellen, Christopher Lee, Hugo Weaving, Sean Bean, Viggo Mortensen, Andy Serkis, and Orlando Bloom, did not reap the financial rewards one might expect. Blanchett’s revelation highlights the stark contrast between the films’ commercial triumph and the actors’ compensation.
Gender Pay Gap in Hollywood
In a poignant moment during the interview, Blanchett touched on the ongoing issue of gender pay disparity in the entertainment industry. When Cohen pressed her further, she added, “Women don’t get paid as much as you think they do.”
Blanchett’s candid statement sheds light on the persistent challenges female actors face in securing fair compensation, even in the face of critical acclaim and box office success. Her revelation serves as a reminder of the work that still needs to be done to achieve pay equity in Hollywood and beyond.
While the actors may not have been adequately compensated for their contributions to the Lord of the Rings franchise, their performances have undoubtedly left an indelible mark on popular culture. The trilogy’s enduring legacy has continued to grow, with Blanchett’s character, Galadriel, being portrayed by Welsh actress Morfydd Clark in the Amazon Prime Video series “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.”
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