Highest-Paid Actors in Game of Thrones
The top earners in the Game of Thrones cast commanded significant salaries, especially in the later seasons. Kit Harington, who played Jon Snow, earned around $500,000 per episode in the final season, making him one of the highest-paid actors on the show. Emilia Clarke, portraying Daenerys Targaryen, and Kit Harington both negotiated substantial pay raises as the series progressed, reflecting the show's massive global viewership and critical acclaim. Forbes reported on the final season pay structure and negotiations.
Peter Dinklage, widely recognized for his role as Tyrion Lannister, earned approximately $300,000 per episode in the last season. His long tenure and critical acclaim, including multiple Emmy Awards, solidified his position as a core earner. Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, who played Jaime Lannister, also saw his per-episode pay rise significantly over the show's run, though exact figures for the final season were not publicly disclosed. Forbes detailed the pay cuts and renegotiations in earlier seasons.
Season-by-Season Pay Evolution
Early Seasons and Base Pay
In the initial seasons, many main cast members earned between $100,000 and $200,000 per episode. The show's rapid rise in popularity and award nominations prompted renegotiations starting around season five. Base pay for actors like Lena Headey and Peter Dinklage increased as the series gained prestige and viewership records. Forbes covered the early renegotiations and the rationale behind pay adjustments.
Peak Earnings in the Final Seasons
By the final seasons, the main cast was earning between $300,000 and $500,000 per episode. Kit Harington's $500,000 per episode in the last season reflected his character's central role and the actor's growing stardom. The pay scale for the final season was influenced by the show's cultural impact, streaming rights deals, and the actors' market value post-Game of Thrones. Forbes analyzed the final season pay structure and its context.
Contract Structures and Bonuses
Beyond per-episode pay, many actors received backend participation and bonuses tied to the show's syndication and streaming success. Contracts often included escalator clauses that increased pay with each subsequent season. These structures ensured that the core cast benefited directly from the show's long-term revenue streams, including DVD sales, international licensing, and HBO Max streaming deals. SEC filings and entertainment industry reports provide data on media company revenue sharing.
Post-Series Earnings and Career Impact
The show's finale in 2019 marked a shift