The Original Main Cast and Their Roles
The core ensemble of The Originals centers on Joseph Morgan as Klaus Mikaelson, Daniel Gillies as Elijah Mikaelson, and Phoebe Tonkin as Hayley Marshall. These three actors anchored the series, which ran for five seasons on The CW from 2013 to 2018. Their characters, the Mikaelson family, drove the narrative across New Orleans, blending vampire mythology with family drama. The show spun off from The Vampire Diaries and built a dedicated global fanbase. For background on the series' universe, see the franchise overview at Forbes.
Supporting cast members include Charles Michael Davis as Marcel Gerard, Phoebe Tonkin as Hayley Marshall, and Riley Voelkel as Freya Mikaelson. Davis's portrayal of the powerful vampire Marcel became central to the show's political intrigue. Voelkel's Freya brought witchcraft elements and deepened the family saga. The ensemble's chemistry contributed to the series' consistent viewership on The CW. Their collective work shaped the spinoff's identity distinct from its parent series.
Cast Earnings and Financial Impact
While exact per-episode salaries for The Originals cast are not fully public, industry estimates suggest lead actors on successful CW dramas earned mid to high six-figure sums per episode during peak seasons. Joseph Morgan, Daniel Gillies, and Phoebe Tonkin likely commanded rates above the median for cable television actors in their final seasons. The show's production was handled by My So-Called Company and Alloy Entertainment, with Warner Bros. Television as the studio. These production companies managed the budget and profit distribution for the series.
The financial impact extends beyond salaries through streaming residuals and syndication deals. The Originals remains available on platforms like Netflix and The CW's streaming service, generating ongoing revenue for the rights holders. Warner Bros. Discovery, the parent company of The CW, continues to monetize the library through licensing and ad-supported tiers. For broader context on media company valuations, see the latest reports at SEC.
Post-Originals Careers and Current Endeavors
Joseph Morgan has continued acting in television and film after The Originals, taking roles in projects like "Titans" and "The Originals" movie discussions. Daniel Gillies remains active in the entertainment industry, with credits in series and independent films. Phoebe Tonkin has expanded into international productions and high-profile streaming series. Charles Michael Davis has pursued leading roles in new television projects, maintaining his visibility in the genre.
The cast's collective brand value has grown through social media and convention appearances. Joseph Morgan and Daniel Gillies regularly engage with fans at fan conventions, which remain a significant revenue stream for actors. Phoebe Tonkin's social media following and brand partnerships reflect her sustained marketability. For insights into the economics of fan conventions and actor branding, refer to analysis at Forbes and market data from SEC filings.