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Cate Blanchett reveals surprising details about her ‘Lord of the Rings’ paycheck
A closer look at the financial side of Middle-Earth
The Lord of the Rings trilogy, directed by Peter Jackson, is a monumental achievement in cinema, grossing an astounding $2.9 billion worldwide. However, the financial rewards for the actors involved might not be as grand as one would expect. Cate Blanchett, who portrayed the ethereal elf Galadriel, recently shed light on this during an appearance on “Watch What Happens Live.”
The unexpected truth about actor salaries
When host Andy Cohen inquired about the film that earned Blanchett her biggest paycheck, he speculated it might be The 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 revelation might come as a shock to many fans who assume that blockbuster films equate to hefty paychecks for their stars. Blanchett further clarified that she did not receive any backend profits from the trilogy. “No! That was way before any of that. No, nothing,” she stated.
The allure of working with Peter Jackson
Blanchett’s motivation for joining the cast of The Lord of the Rings was not financial. “I wanted to work with the guy who made ‘Braindead,'” she said, referring to Jackson’s 1992 cult classic zombie comedy, known as Dead Alive in North America. Her passion for collaborating with Jackson highlights the artistic drive that often supersedes monetary gain in the world of cinema.
Galadriel’s legacy and Blanchett’s experience
In The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Blanchett’s portrayal of Galadriel, a powerful and wise elf, left an indelible mark on audiences. She reprised this iconic role in Jackson’s The Hobbit series, further cementing her place in the fantasy genre. Reflecting on her experience, Blanchett humorously mentioned, “I basically got free sandwiches, and I got to keep my [elf] ears.”
The gender pay gap in Hollywood
Blanchett’s comments also touched on a broader issue within the industry. “Women don’t get paid much as you think they do,” she remarked, highlighting the ongoing gender pay disparity in Hollywood. This statement resonates with many female actors who continue to advocate for equal pay and recognition.
Promoting ‘Borderlands’ and future projects
Blanchett’s appearance on “Watch What Happens Live” was part of the promotional tour for her latest film, Borderlands, set to hit theaters this Friday. Based on the popular video game series, Borderlands features Blanchett as Lilith, an outlaw returning to her home planet of Pandora. The film boasts an impressive cast, including Kevin Hart, Jamie Lee Curtis, Ariana Greenblatt, Florian Munteanu, Jack Black, and Gina Gershon as Mad Moxxi.
For those eager to dive into the world of Borderlands, you can watch the Borderlands trailer and explore more about the film.
Reflecting on the journey
Blanchett’s journey from Middle-Earth to Pandora showcases her versatility and dedication as an actor. Her candid revelations about the financial aspects of her career offer a glimpse into the often misunderstood world of Hollywood salaries. As fans, we can appreciate the passion and commitment that actors like Blanchett bring to their roles, regardless of the paycheck.
For more insights into Blanchett’s illustrious career and her latest projects, stay tuned to your favorite entertainment platforms. Whether you’re a fan of epic fantasy sagas or thrilling sci-fi adventures, there’s always something new and exciting on the horizon.
Keywords: The Lord of the Rings, Cate Blanchett, Galadriel, Peter Jackson, Borderlands, Hollywood salaries, gender pay gap, Middle-Earth, Pandora, Lilith
