When HBO’s “Game of Thrones” first aired in 2011, no one could have predicted the cultural phenomenon it would become. The show not only captivated audiences with its epic storytelling, complex characters, and jaw-dropping twists but also turned its cast members into household names. With such enormous popularity, it’s no surprise that the salaries of its stars became a hot topic of discussion. From the leading actors to the supporting cast, the financial rewards for bringing Westeros to life were as colossal as the show itself.
As one of the most-watched television series of all time, “Game of Thrones” set a new benchmark for production budgets, boasting cinematic-level visuals and intricate world-building. Naturally, a significant portion of this budget went to the stars, whose performances were critical to the show's success. But how much did they actually earn? Their paychecks reflect not only their on-screen importance but also their growing influence as the series progressed. In this article, we’ll break down the salaries of the leading stars and explore how their earnings evolved over the seasons.
Get ready to dive into the financial side of Westeros, where dragons and direwolves aren’t the only things worth millions. From the incredible salaries of Emilia Clarke (Daenerys Targaryen) and Kit Harington (Jon Snow) to the pay discrepancies between the main cast and supporting actors, we’ll uncover the numbers that made headlines. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or simply curious about the economics of one of television’s most expensive shows, this detailed look into “Game of Thrones” stars’ salaries will answer all your questions.
Table of Contents
- Biography of Main Stars
- How Much Did Emilia Clarke Earn?
- Kit Harington’s Salary
- Did Other Main Cast Members Get Equal Pay?
- Which Supporting Actors Earned the Most?
- How Did Salaries Evolve Over Seasons?
- Game of Thrones Salaries vs. Other TV Shows
- How Were Salaries Negotiated?
- Gender Pay Gap in Game of Thrones
- Were the Salaries Justified?
- What About the Final Season?
- What Did the Cast Earn From Re-runs and Merchandise?
- Did the Show Impact Their Net Worths?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Biography of Main Stars
The key players of “Game of Thrones” became global sensations, but who are they beyond their roles in Westeros? Let’s take a closer look at the main stars, their backgrounds, and how they brought their iconic characters to life.
Emilia Clarke (Daenerys Targaryen)
Emilia Clarke, born on October 23, 1986, in London, England, is best known for her role as Daenerys Targaryen, the Mother of Dragons. Clarke’s captivating performance made her a fan favorite, and her journey from a relatively unknown actress to an international star is nothing short of remarkable.
| Full Name | Emilia Isobel Euphemia Rose Clarke |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 23, 1986 |
| Birthplace | London, England |
| Famous Role | Daenerys Targaryen |
| Net Worth (2023) | $20 million |
Kit Harington (Jon Snow)
Born on December 26, 1986, in London, England, Kit Harington gained worldwide fame for his portrayal of Jon Snow, the brooding and honorable Night’s Watchman. Harington’s deep connection to his character and his intense performances made him one of the show’s most beloved stars.
| Full Name | Christopher Catesby Harington |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | December 26, 1986 |
| Birthplace | London, England |
| Famous Role | Jon Snow |
| Net Worth (2023) | $14 million |
How Much Did Emilia Clarke Earn?
Emilia Clarke reportedly earned a staggering $500,000 per episode during the final two seasons of “Game of Thrones.” This significant increase from her earlier earnings reflected her character’s importance and her growing star power. As one of the show’s central figures, Clarke’s portrayal of Daenerys was pivotal to the storyline, justifying her hefty paycheck.
But Clarke’s earnings were not limited to her base salary. She also received additional income from promotional appearances, endorsements, and royalties from the show’s merchandise. Her total earnings from “Game of Thrones” are estimated to be over $12 million, making her one of the highest-paid actresses in television history.
Kit Harington’s Salary
Like Emilia Clarke, Kit Harington earned $500,000 per episode during the final seasons of the show. His salary reflected his character’s critical role in the series, particularly in the later seasons when Jon Snow emerged as a central figure in the battle for the Iron Throne.
Harington’s earnings also include revenue from merchandise and syndication rights. His total income from the series is estimated to be around $12.5 million. In addition to his financial success, Harington received widespread acclaim for his performance, further solidifying his status as a leading actor in Hollywood.
Did Other Main Cast Members Get Equal Pay?
While Clarke and Harington were among the highest earners, other main cast members like Lena Headey (Cersei Lannister), Peter Dinklage (Tyrion Lannister), and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau (Jaime Lannister) also commanded impressive salaries. Each of these actors earned $500,000 per episode during the final seasons, matching Clarke and Harington’s paychecks.
However, it’s worth noting that these paychecks varied in earlier seasons, with salaries increasing as the show gained popularity. The “big five” actors eventually negotiated their salaries collectively, ensuring equal pay for their roles in the show’s final chapters.
Which Supporting Actors Earned the Most?
Supporting actors like Sophie Turner (Sansa Stark) and Maisie Williams (Arya Stark) also received significant pay raises over the course of the series. By the later seasons, they were reportedly earning $175,000 per episode, a substantial increase from their initial salaries.
Other notable supporting actors, including Rory McCann (The Hound) and Alfie Allen (Theon Greyjoy), also saw their earnings grow as their characters became more prominent. While their salaries did not match those of the main cast, they still enjoyed considerable financial success.
How Did Salaries Evolve Over Seasons?
The salaries of “Game of Thrones” stars evolved significantly over the show’s eight seasons. In the early seasons, the cast members were relatively unknown and earned modest salaries by Hollywood standards. However, as the show’s popularity skyrocketed, so did their paychecks.
For example, Emilia Clarke and Kit Harington reportedly earned $300,000 per episode during seasons 5 and 6. By seasons 7 and 8, this figure had increased to $500,000 per episode, reflecting the show’s status as a global phenomenon. Similarly, supporting cast members saw their earnings rise as their characters gained prominence and the show’s budget expanded.
Game of Thrones Salaries vs. Other TV Shows
Compared to other television shows, the salaries of “Game of Thrones” stars were among the highest in the industry. For instance, the leading cast members of “Friends” famously earned $1 million per episode during the show’s final seasons, a figure that remains a benchmark for television salaries.
While “Game of Thrones” stars did not reach this level, their earnings were still impressive, particularly given the show’s ensemble cast and production costs. The $500,000 per episode earned by the main cast in the final seasons placed them among the top earners in television history.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Did all the main cast members earn the same amount? No, salaries varied in the early seasons but were equalized for the final seasons.
- How much did Emilia Clarke earn per episode? She earned $500,000 per episode during the final two seasons.
- Who earned the most from the show? The “big five” cast members, including Clarke, Harington, Headey, Dinklage, and Coster-Waldau, earned the most.
- Were there any pay disputes among the cast? No major disputes were reported, as the main cast negotiated their salaries collectively.
- How did the show’s success impact the cast’s careers? It significantly boosted their profiles and opened doors to new opportunities in Hollywood.
- Did the supporting cast earn royalties? While details are unclear, main cast members likely received royalties, but this may not apply to all supporting actors.
Conclusion
“Game of Thrones” not only redefined television storytelling but also set new standards for actor salaries in the industry. The financial rewards for its stars reflected the show’s immense popularity and the pivotal roles they played in its success. From Emilia Clarke’s rise as the Mother of Dragons to Kit Harington’s journey as the King in the North, the cast of “Game of Thrones” earned their place in television history—both on-screen and off.
