Elijah Wood, the iconic actor who played Frodo Baggins in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, has spoken out about the relatively low salaries cast members received for their roles in the multibillion-dollar film series. In a recent interview with Business Insider, Wood addressed the pay disparity, explaining that while it may seem surprising in hindsight, it was completely understandable at the time.
Despite The Lord of the Rings becoming a cultural phenomenon and generating nearly $3 billion at the global box office, the actors didn’t receive the massive paychecks one might expect. Reflecting on this, Wood noted that the film’s production was a “real gamble” for New Line Cinema, with the studio committing to three films and an ensemble cast, all while paying relatively modest salaries.
Cate Blanchett’s ‘Free Sandwiches’ Joke
Wood’s comments come after his co-star, Cate Blanchett, humorously remarked that she was “basically paid in free sandwiches” for her role as Galadriel in the trilogy. While Blanchett’s statement was made in jest, Wood acknowledged the truth behind her words, revealing that the cast didn’t expect to see a large payout. Still, neither Blanchett nor Wood have any regrets about their involvement in the legendary films.
Wood went on to explain that their pay wasn’t structured like typical film contracts, where actors are paid per movie with renegotiations in between. Instead, the pay was based on the gamble New Line took in financing the trilogy. “We weren’t making one movie and then renegotiating a contract for the next,” Wood explained, adding that this meant the pay wasn’t substantial enough to set them up for the rest of their lives.
A Life-Changing Experience
However, Wood emphasized that the experience of being a part of The Lord of the Rings was priceless. “The benefit of that was that we were also signing up for something that was going to be a part of our lives forever,” he said. The trilogy went on to launch lucrative prequels and boost the careers of many actors, including Wood himself, who now stars in the Showtime series Yellowjackets and produces films through his company, SpectreVision.
Behind the Scenes: Cast Salaries Revealed
While exact numbers remain elusive, some Lord of the Rings cast members have shared their salaries over the years. Orlando Bloom, who played Legolas, revealed he was paid $175,000 for the three films. Bloom described the experience as “the greatest gift” of his life, adding that he’d be willing to do it again for half that amount. Sean Astin, who portrayed Samwise Gamgee, disclosed that he received around $250,000 for his role, hinting that the cast had agreed not to discuss their pay by the time The Return of the King hit theaters in 2003.
When asked about the $250,000 figure linked to his own salary, Wood confirmed that it wasn’t accurate but declined to offer specifics, saying, “It doesn’t matter.” Despite the financials, Wood emphasized the immense pride and honor of being part of The Lord of the Rings, describing it as one of the best experiences of his life.
The Legacy of ‘The Lord of the Rings’
As the trilogy’s enduring popularity continues to captivate audiences worldwide, the actors’ involvement in The Lord of the Rings remains a defining chapter in their careers. For Wood and his co-stars, the legacy of the films is far greater than any paycheck — and they wouldn’t change a thing
