Actress Cate Blanchett may have starred in the box office smash hit “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring,” but, according to her, that money didn’t trickle down to the cast.
During an appearance on “Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen,” Blanchett played “Plead the Fifth” and was asked about the film for which she received the biggest paycheck.
“I think it’s probably ‘Lord of the Rings,’” Cohen suggested
“Are you kidding me,” Blanchett said as Cohen expressed surprised. “No. No one got paid anything to do that movie.”
When Cohen asked whether she “got a piece of the backend,” referring to the practice of big stars getting a percentage of the ticket sales, Blanchett said no.
“That was way before any of that,” she said. “No, nothing.”
Blanchett said she did the 2001 film for the chance to work with Peter Jackson, who directed “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy.
“I wanted to work with the guy who made [1992 horror comedy film] ‘Braindead,’” she said. “I mean, I basically got free sandwiches. And I got to keep my ears.”
Blanchett played royal elf Galadriel in the “The Lord of the Rings” franchise. The first film grossed almost $900 million worldwide. She is currently promoting her new film, “Borderlands,” which is in theaters Friday.
Cate Blanchett’s revelation about her pay for starring in “The Lord of the Rings” sheds light on the harsh reality of the film industry. Despite being part of a movie that grossed nearly $900 million globally, Blanchett disclosed that she and her fellow cast members did not receive substantial paychecks. This serves as a stark reminder that even actors in blockbuster films may not always be adequately compensated for their work.Blanchett’s decision to take on the role of Galadriel in “The Lord of the Rings” purely out of admiration for director Peter Jackson showcases her dedication to the art of filmmaking. She saw the opportunity to work with Jackson as a chance to collaborate with a talented filmmaker whose previous work she admired. This highlights the importance of artistic integrity and passion for one’s craft in the film industry.The fact that Blanchett did not receive a backend deal, where actors receive a percentage of the film’s profits, raises questions about the fairness of compensation in Hollywood. While backend deals have become common practice for top-tier actors, Blanchett’s experience reveals that not all performers have access to such lucrative agreements. This lack of financial reward for her role in a immensely successful film underscores the need for greater transparency and equity in the entertainment business.As Blanchett continues to promote her latest film, “Borderlands,” audiences are reminded of her versatility and talent as an actress. Despite the challenges she faced in terms of compensation for her role in “The Lord of the Rings,” Blanchett remains a sought-after performer in the industry. Her dedication to her craft and willingness to take on diverse and challenging roles have solidified her status as a respected and acclaimed actress.In conclusion, Cate Blanchett’s candid comments about her pay for “The Lord of the Rings” offer a glimpse into the complexities of the film industry. Her story serves as a reminder of the disparities that exist within Hollywood and the importance of advocating for fair compensation for all actors. Blanchett’s journey from starring in a blockbuster franchise to promoting her latest film highlights her enduring passion for acting and commitment to her craft.
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Source: Tampa Bay Times
