Cate Blanchett Reveals She Got Paid in 'Sandwiches' for LOTR Role

Cate Blanchett has revealed that her compensation for playing Galadriel in The Lord of the Rings trilogy was surprisingly low, stating during an appearance on Watch What Happens Live that she received "free sandwiches" instead of a substantial paycheck. Despite the films grossing over $2.9 billion worldwide, she emphasized that the cast was not paid fairly, reinforcing the broader issue of gender pay disparity in Hollywood. This revelation raises questions about how major franchises compensate their actors, especially female roles.

Cate Blanchett indicated that she was not paid well for her role in The Lord of the Rings, claiming she essentially received "free sandwiches" and kept her elf ears but did not receive a significant salary or backend compensation.

The Lord of the Rings trilogy, directed by Peter Jackson, has left a significant mark on cinematic history, grossing billions and giving birth to a vast franchise that includes The Hobbit films and the recent series, The Rings of Power. Blanchett's iconic portrayal of Galadriel, while beloved by fans, also highlights ongoing concerns regarding gender pay equity in Hollywood, an issue that has garnered much attention over the years. She remains a prominent figure in filmmaking, with roles in various successful projects post-Lord of the Rings, including Borderlands, where she plays the character Lilith.