Who Was the Highest Paid Actor in The Lord of the Rings Trilogy?

As a hardcore LOTR fan, I‘m constantly scouring the web for intriguing facts about the making of the movies. One question I see debated often is – who made bank starring in these iconic fantasy epics? The Lord of the Rings trilogy featured a talented ensemble cast that defined the characters for a generation. But which actor scored the biggest payday? Let‘s break it down.

Ian McKellen (Gandalf) – Up to $10 Million

The wise wizard Gandalf is one of the most beloved LOTR characters. As a 7000+ year-old mystical being, Gandalf acts as a guide and mentor to the fellowship. This key role was taken on by acclaimed British actor Ian McKellen.

For starring in all 3 films, McKellen was reportedly paid an estimated $10 million total. That towers over most of his co-stars. Of course, McKellen was already an established actor pre-LOTR, with accolades like starring in X-Men and an Academy Award nomination. But there‘s no doubt that Gandalf secured his leading man status.

After the trilogy, McKellen saw his paydays grow even more substantial. For just acting in X-Men: The Last Stand, he earned $11.5 million. Then he reprised his Gandalf role in The Hobbit trilogy for an undisclosed seven-figure salary. It‘s clear the wizard has been very good for Sir Ian‘s net worth.

Fun facts:

• McKellen initially turned down the role of Gandalf, not wanting to commit to such an extensive production. Thankfully he changed his mind!
• All of Gandalf‘s horse riding scenes are actually McKellen sitting on a wooden cart being pulled along.

Viggo Mortensen (Aragorn) – $9 Million

Charging into battle as the exiled King Aragorn, Viggo Mortensen made the character an iconic fantasy hero. The Danish-American actor took on the role at the behest of his son, who was a major Tolkien fan.

Over the trilogy, Mortensen earned just over $9 million for his work. While it doesn‘t quite reach McKellen levels, it‘s still an impressive salary. Especially considering that Mortensen was not yet an established leading man like his co-star. In fact, director Peter Jackson took a risk casting him, as Mortensen hadn‘t appeared in a successful blockbuster before.

Post-LOTR, Mortensen has gone on to act in many well-known films like Captain Fantastic and Green Book. His asking price now likely starts at a few million per picture. The king of Gondor definitely provides a regal paycheck.

Fun facts:

• Mortensen did nearly all of his own stunts and sword fighting scenes without a double.
• He purchased the two horses he rode in the films after production ended.

Sean Astin (Sam) – $250,000 to $1 Million

As loyal gardener Samwise Gamgee, Sean Astin provided the emotional core of the fellowship. Though his initial salary was just $250,000, it got a big boost by Return of the King. For the final film, Astin earned $1 million for his performance as Sam.

In an ensemble cast with big names like McKellen and Mortensen, Astin had among the most modest paychecks. But there‘s no doubt he appreciated that final $1 million payout! Since LOTR, Astin has worked steadily in TV and film, currently starring in the Netflix series Stranger Things.

Fun facts:

• Astin‘s daughter played Sam‘s daughter in one of the final scenes of Return of the King.
• He got his directors guild card by shadowing Peter Jackson on set.

Salary Growth Over the Trilogy

Elijah Wood (Frodo) – $250,000 to $1 Million

In the lead role of brave hobbit Frodo Baggins, Elijah Wood carried the fate of Middle Earth on his shoulders. He also saw his paycheck carry a few more zeros by the end. Like Astin, Wood earned only $250,000 for The Fellowship of the Ring.

But by the third chapter, Wood was paid $1 million for his work as Frodo. Not a bad raise! Prior to LOTR, Wood was best known for indie films and child roles. But after playing the ring-bearer, Wood became a familiar face with global recognition.

Fun facts:

• Wood has a tattoo on his hip of the Elvish number nine, to commemorate being part of the fellowship.
• He purchased one of the pair of prosthetic hobbit feet he wore during filming.

Cate Blanchett (Galadriel) – $1.5 Million

Casting the timeless elven Lady Galadriel, the producers chose acclaimed Australian actress Cate Blanchett. While not the highest paid, Blanchett did well securing $1.5 million for the trilogy. She lent the films dramatic gravitas in her ethereal performance as Galadriel.

Blanchett was already an award-winning actress pre-LOTR, from films like Elizabeth and The Talented Mr. Ripley. Still, LOTR no doubt introduced her to a wider global audience. Post-trilogy, her paychecks have grown as big as $12.5 million per picture. Galadriel definitely has the fountain of wealth on lock.

Fun facts:

• Blanchett wore hair pieces, contact lenses, and prosthetic ears to transform into Galadriel.
• She based Galadriel‘s iconic voice and way of speaking on an aerobics instructor she once had.

Christopher Lee (Saruman) – $3 Million

Legendary actor Christopher Lee needs no introduction. By the early 2000s, Lee already had almost 200 acting credits to his name in projects like Star Wars and James Bond. To play the villainous wizard Saruman, Lee commanded an impressive $3 million paycheck.

Funnily enough, Lee was a huge LOTR fan and actually wanted to play Gandalf originally. But at age 79 during filming, he no longer felt he could handle the action required. Still, Saruman remains one of his most acclaimed roles.

Fun facts:

• Lee served as a Flight Lieutenant in the RAF during World War 2.
• He was a step-cousin of 007 creator Ian Fleming!

So in the end, Ian McKellen emerged as the highest paid star of the LOTR trilogy, likely earning around $10 million. His Gandalf will forever be iconic. But the popularity of the films boosted the careers and salaries of many in the cast. They‘ll certainly never forget their time in Middle Earth.