Cate Blanchett, renowned for her role as Galadriel in Peter Jackson’s “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, has made a surprising revelation. During a promotional event for her new film, “Borderlands,” the Oscar-winning actress shared that she participated in the iconic fantasy series without any financial compensation.
Adapted from J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth universe, the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy premiered between 2001 and 2003. The series, which grossed a staggering $2.9 billion at the box office, catapulted its cast and Tolkien’s works to unprecedented fame. With 30 Academy Award nominations and 17 wins, the trilogy is celebrated as one of cinema’s most significant fantasy adaptations.
In a recent interview on “Watch What Happens Live,” Blanchett, who played Lady Galadriel of Lórien, responded to fans’ curiosity about her earnings from the films. The acclaimed actress candidly admitted that she received no payment for her role.
Cate Blanchett Played for Sandwiches and Elf Ears in “Lord of the Rings”
When asked about which of her films earned her the highest paycheck, Blanchett paused to think. The host then speculated, “Was it ‘Lord of the Rings’?” To the surprise of many fans, Blanchett replied:
“Are you kidding? No one got paid anything for those films.”
Blanchett was also asked if she received any share of the film’s substantial box office profits. She responded with a resounding “No,” explaining that this was before profit-sharing became common practice:
“No! This was way before all that. I didn’t get anything. I just wanted to work with the guy who made ‘Braindead.’ Basically, I got free sandwiches and kept the elf ears. Women don’t get paid as much as you think.”
Blanchett’s portrayal of Galadriel included the iconic opening narration of “The Fellowship of the Ring” and numerous memorable scenes throughout the series.
Orlando Bloom Also Worked for Modest Pay
In a similar vein, Orlando Bloom, who played Legolas in the trilogy, revealed in 2019 that he earned just $175,000 for all three films. Despite the modest pay, Bloom expressed his gratitude, stating that the role of Legolas was the greatest gift he could have received.
At the time, Bloom was a relatively unknown actor, unlike Blanchett, who had already gained recognition for her leading role in Shekhar Kapur’s “Elizabeth” among other significant projects.
Contrastingly, other cast members received more substantial payments. Andy Serkis, who brought Gollum to life, earned $1 million, while Elijah Wood, who played the lead role of Frodo, initially received $250,000, which later increased to $1 million. Sir Ian McKellen, who portrayed Gandalf, reportedly earned a total of $13 million from the series.
Reflections on Cate Blanchett’s Revelations
Cate Blanchett’s disclosure about her lack of financial compensation for her role in “Lord of the Rings” has sparked widespread discussion. It sheds light on the evolving nature of actor compensation in the film industry, particularly for women. Despite the trilogy’s monumental success and its significant cultural impact, Blanchett’s experience highlights the disparities that existed in the early 2000s.
Her candid remarks not only provide insight into the behind-the-scenes realities of one of the most beloved film series but also underscore ongoing issues regarding gender pay equity in Hollywood. As fans and industry professionals reflect on her revelations, it becomes evident that the journey toward fair compensation for all actors, regardless of gender, continues to be a crucial conversation in the entertainment world.
Source: MovieWeb
Cate Blanchett Lord of the Rings
Last modified: August 10, 2024
