‘Lord of The Rings’: Cate Blanchett Says “No One Got Paid Anything”

Cate Blanchett Clears Up the Truth About Her Pay for “The Lord of the Rings”

Cate Blanchett, the iconic actress known for her versatility and depth, recently set the record straight about her pay for the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy. During an appearance on Bravo’s “Watch What Happens Live” with Andy Cohen, Blanchett dispelled the common misconception that her role in the fantasy epic was a lucrative one.

Blanchett’s Revelation on “Watch What Happens Live”

Blanchett, who starred in the trilogy directed by Peter Jackson, participated in a segment called “Plead the Fifth.” In this game, Cohen asks his guest three challenging questions, allowing them to skip only one. Cohen’s curiosity about Blanchett’s earnings from her various films led to an unexpected revelation.

When Cohen asked which film gave her the biggest paycheck, he assumed it was “Lord of the Rings.” Blanchett’s response was both surprising and revealing. “Are you kidding me?” she exclaimed. “No, no one got paid anything to do that movie.” This statement highlighted the stark reality of the film industry, where even high-profile projects might not offer the financial rewards one might expect.

No Share of the Box Office Success

Cohen further inquired if Blanchett received any share of the box office profits from the trilogy, to which she responded, “No, that was way before any of that.” This indicates that the practice of actors receiving a cut of box office earnings was not common during the early 2000s, contrasting with more recent contracts in Hollywood.

Blanchett humorously added, “I basically got free sandwiches. And I got to keep my ears,” referring to the elaborate elf prosthetics she wore as Galadriel.

Motivated by Artistic Vision, Not Money

Blanchett shared that her motivation for joining the cast of “The Lord of the Rings” was not financial but artistic. She was eager to work with Peter Jackson, known then for his cult classic “Braindead” (released in the U.S. as “Dead Alive”). Jackson’s unique vision and storytelling prowess were enough to draw Blanchett to the project.

The Role of Galadriel

Cate Blanchett first portrayed Galadriel, the ethereal and powerful elf, in 2001’s “The Lord of The Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.” She reprised this role in the subsequent films, “The Two Towers” (2002) and “The Return of the King” (2003). Despite Galadriel not being part of J.R.R. Tolkien’s original “The Hobbit” story, the character was incorporated into the 2012 film adaptation “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey,” allowing Blanchett to revisit her iconic role.

The Success of “The Lord of the Rings” Trilogy

Despite the modest pay, the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy became one of the most successful film series in history, grossing an impressive $2.9 billion worldwide. The films received critical acclaim, numerous awards, and a dedicated fan base, solidifying their place in cinematic history.

A Broader Issue: Gender Pay Gap in Hollywood

Blanchett’s comments also touched on a broader issue within the film industry: the gender pay gap. “Women don’t get paid as much as you think they do,” she noted, shedding light on the ongoing disparity in earnings between male and female actors. This issue has been a topic of significant discussion in recent years, with many high-profile actresses advocating for equal pay.

Conclusion

Cate Blanchett’s candid revelation about her earnings from “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy offers a glimpse into the realities of Hollywood. It underscores the fact that passion for the craft often outweighs financial considerations for many artists. Her remarks also bring attention to the persistent issue of pay inequality in the industry, a topic that continues to spark debate and drive change.

For more insights and celebrity news, stay tuned to our blog. And don’t forget to watch Blanchett’s enlightening and entertaining appearance on “Watch What Happens Live” in the video below.