SUMMARY
  • 'The Rings of Power' recreated Middle-Earth’s Second Age with immense scale.
  • Season 1’s $465 million budget covered effects, set designs, and a stellar cast.
  • While salaries varied, actors were compensated generously for their efforts.

When The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power first hit Amazon Prime, it wasn’t just about bringing back the epic fantasy we all know and love. It was about recreating the entire Second Age of Middle-Earth, and that’s no small feat.

With a massive budget of $465 million for Season 1, the show was packed with jaw-dropping special effects, stunning set designs, and, of course, a stellar cast. But how much did the stars of Rings of Power get paid for all their hard work? Well, wonder no more!

While the casting choices were top-notch, the salaries were just as impressive—though some actors made more than others. So let’s break it down and see who earned what, from the mighty elves to the brave men and women of Middle-Earth.

Morfydd Clark as Galadriel

Morfydd Clark as Galadriel in The Rings of Power
Morfydd Clark as Galadriel in The Rings of Power (Credits: Amazon Prime Video)

Morfydd Clark plays a younger version of Galadriel, the powerful High Elf who’s on a mission to avenge her brother’s death. She’s an important character, and for her role, Clark earned $20,000 per episode (as reported by Showbiz Galore).

While that might not seem like the highest salary on the show, it’s still a nice paycheck for an actress stepping into such an iconic role. Before Rings of Power, Clark had smaller roles in films like Pride and Prejudice and Zombies and The Personal History of David Copperfield.

But this series definitely gave her career a huge boost. Galadriel’s journey in the show is filled with action, drama, and deep emotion, so Clark had to bring her A-game every time. All in all, she’s getting paid well for her hard work, but the role will likely pay off even more in the future.

Nazanin Boniadi as Bronwyn

Nazanin Boniadi as Bronwyn in The Rings of Power
Nazanin Boniadi as Bronwyn in The Rings of Power (Credits: Amazon Prime Video)

Nazanin Boniadi, who plays Bronwyn, the strong and caring healer from the Southlands, earns $35,000 per episode (via Showbiz Galore). Now, that’s a solid salary. Bronwyn gets involved in a lot of the show’s central drama, from battling Sauron’s forces to falling in love with an elf.

She’s a key character in the story, and it’s no surprise that Boniadi’s paycheck reflects that importance. The actress has had a solid acting career before Rings of Power, with notable roles in Homeland, Ben-Hur, and Counterpart.

Robert Aramayo as Elrond

Robert Aramayo as Elrond in The Rings of Power
Robert Aramayo as Elrond in The Rings of Power (Credits: Amazon Prime Video)

Elrond, the half-elf statesman, and one of the most iconic characters in Lord of the Rings lore. Played by Robert Aramayo, Elrond gets $30,000 per episode (via the same source). This half-elf has got political drama, ancient elven wisdom, and a mission to save Middle-Earth.

Elrond is sent on an epic quest to meet the dwarf Prince Durin, and let’s just say, there are no boring moments in that friendship. Aramayo had some pretty big shoes to fill—Hugo Weaving set the bar high in the films—but he slays it in the role.

With previous roles in The King’s Man and Nocturnal Animals, he’s already got the chops to handle complex characters. So yeah, $30k per episode for Elrond? Sounds like a pretty fair deal.

Cynthia Addai-Robinson as Míriel

Cynthia Addai-Robinson as Míriel in The Rings of Power
Cynthia Addai-Robinson as Míriel in The Rings of Power (Credits: Amazon Prime Video)

Played by Cynthia Addai-Robinson, Míriel is the heir to the throne of Númenor—and yes, that comes with major responsibility. She gets paid $30,000 per episode (via the same source), and honestly, that’s probably not enough for a queen who’s fighting political and personal battles.

Míriel’s story is a tragic one, especially when she gets blinded and returns to Númenor to deal with some serious family drama. But hey, no spoilers here.

Robinson is no stranger to big roles, having appeared in Star Trek Into Darkness and The Accountant. With a character who faces betrayal, war, and even blindness, her performance is both powerful and moving.

Owain Arthur as Durin IV

Owain Arthur as Durin IV in The Rings of Power
Owain Arthur as Durin IV in The Rings of Power (Credits: Amazon Prime Video)

Owain Arthur plays Durin IV, the dwarf prince who’s trying to hold the kingdom of Khazad-dûm together. He earns $25,000 per episode (via the same source), which is a great salary for a character with so much screen time and emotional depth.

Durin’s friendship with Elrond is central to the plot, and their adventures make for some of the most memorable moments in the series. Before Rings of Power, Arthur had roles in The Palace and The One and Only Ivan.

As Durin IV, he brings humor, loyalty, and strength to the character. Though his paycheck isn’t the highest on the show, it’s still a pretty nice sum for playing a key character in the dwarven storyline.

Maxim Baldry as Isildur

Maxim Baldry as Isildur in The Rings of Power
Maxim Baldry as Isildur in The Rings of Power (Credits: Amazon Prime Video)

Maxim Baldry portrays Isildur, the man who failed to destroy the One Ring and set the stage for Sauron’s return. Baldry earns $25,000 per episode (via the same source) for this important role, which is a fair salary for a character whose actions play such a huge role in the history of Middle-Earth.

Isildur’s failure has long-lasting consequences, and Baldry does a great job of showing the internal struggle that comes with such a heavy legacy. His previous work in Years and Years and Last Christmas has shown his range as an actor, and he brings that same intensity to Isildur’s tragic journey.

Ismael Cruz Córdova as Arondir

Ismael Cruz Córdova as Arondir in The Rings of Power
Ismael Cruz Córdova as Arondir in The Rings of Power (Credits: Amazon Prime Video)

Ismael Cruz Córdova plays Arondir, a Silvan Elf who finds himself caught up in the battle against Sauron’s forces. He earns $15,000 per episode (via the same source), which is lower than some of the other actors, but it’s still a decent paycheck for a character who adds a fresh perspective to the world of elves.

Arondir’s storyline involves his forbidden love with Bronwyn, and Córdova brings a lot of depth to this unique character. Before Rings of Power, Córdova was in films like Miss Bala and Mary Queen of Scots.

Markella Kavenagh as Nori Brandyfoot

Markella Kavenagh as Nori Brandyfoot in The Rings of Power
Markella Kavenagh as Nori Brandyfoot in The Rings of Power (Credits: Amazon Prime Video)

Last but not least, we have Markella Kavenagh as Nori Brandyfoot, the curious and adventurous Harfoot. Nori’s on a quest to discover who the mysterious stranger is, and her journey adds a lot of heart to the story.

Kavenagh earns $10,000 per episode (via the same source), which is the lowest salary of all the main cast members, but Nori’s character is still very important. Before Rings of Power, Kavenagh appeared in films like My First Summer and True History of the Kelly Gang.

The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power is available to watch on Amazon Prime Video!

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