Cate Blanchett Reveals Meager Paychecks for 'Lord of the Rings' Cast

Despite 'The Lord of the Rings' being one of the most successful film series, actress Cate Blanchett disclosed that the actors received meager compensation. During an appearance on 'Watch What Happens Live', she revealed that no one got paid substantially for their roles in Peter Jackson's iconic trilogy.

Cate Blanchett, an Oscar-winning actress, shocked fans when she revealed the modest paychecks received by the cast of 'The Lord of the Rings', despite its colossal success. Speaking on 'Watch What Happens Live', Blanchett disclosed that the performers were not well-compensated for their roles in Peter Jackson's celebrated film series.

Blanchett recounted her experience after host Andy Cohen incorrectly guessed that the fantasy epic provided her very best paycheck. Laughing, she responded, "Are you kidding me? No one got paid anything to do that movie." Blanchett further clarified that she received no share of the post-release profits.

The actress mentioned that her motivation was to collaborate with Peter Jackson, particularly for his work on the 1992 film, 'Braindead.' She played Galadriel, the wise and magical elf, in both 'The Lord of the Rings' and its prequel trilogy 'The Hobbit.' Fellow actor Orlando Bloom also disclosed last year that his remuneration was similarly insubstantial.

Blanchett humorously summed up her compensation with the remark, "I basically got free sandwiches, and I got to keep my elf ears." She also highlighted broader issues of gender pay disparity. Blanchett appeared on the show alongside Gina Gershon to promote the upcoming sci-fi film 'Borderlands,' reported Variety.

(With inputs from agencies.)