It’s hard to imagine now, but Orlando Bloom was paid a mere pittance for his breakout role as the elf archer Legolas in Peter Jackson’s epic fantasy trilogy The Lord of the Rings.
Back in 1999 when Bloom was cast in The Fellowship of the Ring at age 23, he was a virtual unknown outside of a few small roles. So he came cheap for the producers, especially compared to more established co-stars like Ian McKellen and Liv Tyler who earned millions.
While the exact figure Bloom made for the trilogy that launched his career is surprisingly low, it’s a common scenario in Hollywood. Studios often take a chance on unknown or up-and-coming actors for modest fees upfront, only to see them become major stars later on. But Bloom’s particularly thrifty pay on Lord of the Rings shows just how extreme the gap in earnings can become down the line.
Nearly 20 years later, his small payday for the role that made him famous serves as a reminder of the cutthroat business side of show business. And how tough it can be for young performers starting out, even when they land parts in what become massive blockbuster hits. Considering the huge success and cultural impact of the Lord of the Rings films, which grossed nearly $3 billion worldwide, Bloom’s initial salary raises fair questions about compensation in Hollywood. But it also made him an A-list star who went on to command much bigger paychecks.
The Audition Process
Bloom’s journey to Middle-earth began with multiple auditions. He initially auditioned for the role of Faramir but was later called back for the role of Legolas. Reflecting on the audition process, Bloom said, “I audition many times. I auditioned originally for the role of Faramir, and then I got a call back… they brought me back for Legolas.”
The Experience of Filming
The filming of “The Lord of the Rings” was an 18-month process, with additional reshoots spanning several months. Working with legends like Christopher Lee and Ian McKellen, Bloom described the experience as “amazing.”
When asked about his approach to acting and preparation, Bloom explained, “I’m very studious… I would learn all my sides, all my lines, study so that I was off book and really focused.”
The Surprising Salary
Despite the success of the trilogy and the fame it brought to Bloom, his salary for the films was shockingly modest. When asked about his earnings, Bloom candidly replied, “I got nothing. $175 Grand.”
He further reflected on the experience, acknowledging the impact it had on his life and career: “Listen, it was the greatest gift of my life. I’d do it again for half the money.
Orlando Bloom’s revelation about his modest salary for portraying Legolas in “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy has sparked interest in the earnings of other cast members. While the trilogy brought in almost three billion dollars at the box office, some of the salaries of the actors might surprise you.
Other Lord of the Rings Salaries
Sean Astin
Let’s start with the two most prominent supporting characters, Samwise Gamgee and Legolas. Sean Astin, who played Sam, received only $250,000 for his role in all three films
Elijah Wood and Andy Serkis
Elijah Wood, who played Frodo Baggins, started with a salary of $250,000 for the first installment but saw it increase to $1 million by the trilogy’s end. Andy Serkis, who portrayed Gollum, was offered $1 million right from the start, reflecting his status as a valuable and seasoned actor.
Ian McKellen
Ian McKellen, who played Gandalf, took home a substantial $13 million for his work on “The Fellowship of the Ring” and “The Two Towers.” His earnings from the franchise helped build his $60 million fortune.
Other Notable Salaries
- John Rhys-Davies: Accumulated most of his $5 million fortune from his role as Gimli.
- Sean Bean: Earned around $250,000 for his role as Boromir in the first film, contributing to his $20 million net worth.
- Liv Tyler: Earned a reported $2 million for her role as Arwen in the first film, now worth $50 million.
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