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Cate Blanchett Reveals She Didn't Get Paid For LOTR

Australian actress Cate Blanchett attends the Giorgio Armani women's Fall-Winter 2024-25 collection presented in Milan, Italy, Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)

Cate Blanchett, known for her role as Galadriel in 'The Lord of the Rings' franchise, recently revealed surprising details about her compensation for the iconic films. Contrary to popular belief, Blanchett disclosed that no one in the cast received payment for their roles in the movies. She clarified that there were no backend deals or significant paychecks involved, emphasizing that she essentially worked for free.

Blanchett humorously mentioned that her compensation for portraying the elven queen included 'free sandwiches' and the privilege of keeping her elf ears. She expressed her admiration for director Peter Jackson's work, citing his film 'Braindead' as a factor that influenced her decision to join the cast.

When asked about her most lucrative movie role to date, Blanchett remained discreet, hinting at the prevalent gender pay gap in the industry. She pointed out that women often do not receive as much compensation as expected, shedding light on the disparities in pay between male and female actors.

No cast member received payment for their roles in the movies.
Cate Blanchett disclosed no payment for iconic 'Lord of the Rings' role.
Blanchett humorously mentioned receiving 'free sandwiches' and keeping her elf ears.

Following Blanchett's revelations, social media users speculated about her earnings from other projects such as 'Ocean's 8' and 'Thor,' with some questioning the accuracy of her comments regarding 'The Lord of the Rings.' Despite the assumptions, Blanchett's candid remarks provided insight into the financial aspects of her acting career.

In a similar vein, actor Orlando Bloom previously disclosed his modest earnings from the 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy, stating that he received a nominal sum for his performances. Bloom acknowledged the films' impact on his career, emphasizing the invaluable experience and opportunities they provided, despite the financial limitations.

Blanchett's recent comments about her compensation and self-identification as 'middle class' have sparked discussions among fans and media outlets. Despite her substantial net worth, estimated at $95 million, Blanchett's remarks have highlighted the complexities of wealth and status in the entertainment industry.

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