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Who Made the Most Money from Game of Thrones?
Game of Thrones, the epic fantasy series based on George R.R. Martin’s novels, has been a cultural phenomenon since its debut in 2011. The show’s immense popularity has generated a significant amount of wealth for various individuals involved in its creation and production. But who among them has reaped the most financial benefits? Let’s delve into the details.
1. The Showrunners
David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, the showrunners of Game of Thrones, have been instrumental in the series’ success. They have received substantial salaries for their work on the show. According to Variety, Benioff and Weiss were each paid $2 million per episode during the final season. With a total of 73 episodes, this amounts to a combined total of $138 million for both creators.
2. The Cast
The cast of Game of Thrones has also enjoyed considerable financial success. The show’s lead actors, including Emilia Clarke, Kit Harington, and Peter Dinklage, have all secured lucrative contracts. Emilia Clarke, who played Daenerys Targaryen, was reported to have earned around $1 million per episode. With 73 episodes, her total earnings from the show amount to approximately $73 million. Kit Harington, who portrayed Jon Snow, received a similar salary, while Peter Dinklage, who played Tyrion Lannister, earned around $1.2 million per episode, totaling $87.6 million for the entire run of the show.
3. The Producers
David Fincher, who produced the first season of Game of Thrones, has also benefited financially from the show’s success. Fincher’s production company, Trigger Street Productions, received a portion of the profits from the series. Although specific figures are not readily available, it is safe to assume that Fincher’s share of the profits was substantial.
4. HBO
HBO, the network that aired Game of Thrones, has undoubtedly made the most money from the series. The show was a ratings hit for the network, generating significant advertising revenue and subscription fees. According to a report by Variety, Game of Thrones was responsible for 12% of HBO’s total subscriber growth during its first season. With an estimated 54 million subscribers at the time, HBO’s revenue from the show can be approximated at around $2.7 billion. This figure does not include the revenue generated from streaming and merchandise sales.
5. Merchandise and Licensing
Game of Thrones has also been a goldmine for licensing and merchandise. The show’s vast universe and memorable characters have led to a plethora of products, including action figures, clothing, and home decor. According to a report by Statista, the Game of Thrones merchandise market was valued at approximately $1.5 billion in 2019. This figure is expected to grow as the show’s popularity continues to rise.
6. Streaming and Digital Sales
The digital streaming market has also contributed to the financial success of Game of Thrones. With the advent of streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime, viewers can now watch the series on-demand. This has led to increased revenue from digital sales and streaming subscriptions. According to a report by The Hollywood Reporter, HBO has generated over $1 billion in revenue from digital sales and streaming of Game of Thrones.
| Individual | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|
| David Benioff and D.B. Weiss | $138 million |
| Emilia Clarke | $73 million |
| Kit Harington | $73 million |
| Peter Dinklage | $87.6 million |
| David Fincher | Unknown |
| HBO | $2.7 billion |
| Merchandise and Licensing | $1.5 billion |
