(Image Source: Warner Bros. Pictures)
While "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy grossed nearly three billion dollars worldwide, most of the cast members were actually paid modest salaries for their involvement. Elijah Wood, who played Frodo, previously mentioned that because the trilogy was filmed back-to-back, actors couldn't renegotiate their contracts for higher pay in subsequent installments even after the films became blockbusters. Additionally, since the cast wasn't comprised of major box office draws, their initial salaries were not high.
(Image Source: Warner Bros. Pictures)
Sean Astin, who portrayed Samwise Gamgee, recently told The Guardian, "I never anticipated the level of attention and exposure 'The Lord of the Rings' would receive, and the attention I got was completely disproportionate to our actual earnings; the money really wasn't much! In fact, because the trilogy's pay was so low, I even had to sell my house back then." Astin added that his financial situation is now much more comfortable.
(Image Source: Warner Bros. Pictures)
Astin had previously stated that his average salary for each "Lord of the Rings" film was $75,000, bringing his total earnings for all three films to $250,000. Warner Bros. Pictures recently announced they are developing a new 'Lord of the Rings' film, and it's rumored that Samwise will still have a role. When asked about the possibility of returning, Astin admitted that discussions are underway and he would be delighted to reunite with the cast. He also guaranteed that if he does return, his salary this time around would be negotiated for a significantly higher amount.
via： The Guardian