Elijah Wood has shed light on an often-overlooked aspect of Hollywood blockbusters: the financial realities for actors in major franchises. Despite the Lord of the Rings trilogy raking in nearly £2.2 billion (₹23,000 crore) worldwide, Wood, who played the lead role of Frodo Baggins, revealed that the cast did not receive the kind of paycheques that would guarantee lifelong financial security.
Speaking at the Texas Film Awards, Wood explained that because all three films were shot back-to-back, the actors never had the chance to renegotiate their contracts as the series became a global phenomenon. “It wasn’t the kind of payday where you could sit back and never work again,” he said.
Elijah Wood shared that the cast couldn’t renegotiate their contracts, limiting their financial gain from the blockbuster trilogyGetty Images
Director Peter Jackson and New Line Cinema took a significant risk in adapting J.R.R. Tolkien’s beloved novels, and to manage costs, the actors were reportedly paid modest salaries. This was in stark contrast to how Hollywood typically operates, where sequels often allow actors to command higher fees. Since the trilogy was filmed as a single project, there was no opportunity for the cast to benefit from its later financial success.
Cate Blanchett, who played the ethereal elf Galadriel, shared the same sentiment in a previous interview, joking that she was essentially paid in sandwiches and got to keep her elf ears as a souvenir. Orlando Bloom, who portrayed Legolas, previously disclosed that he earned around £138,000 (₹1.44 crore) for all three films, an amount that, while substantial by everyday standards, is relatively modest for a franchise of this magnitude. Sean Astin, who played Samwise Gamgee, stated in another interview that he was paid around £197,000 (₹2.06 crore).
Wood played the iconic role of Frodo but admitted his salary didn’t grant him lifelong financial securityGetty Images
Despite the financial constraints, Wood holds no resentment. Instead, he emphasises the life-changing experience of being part of such an iconic project. “The real reward was the opportunity to be involved in something so special,” he said. “These films are a part of us forever.”
The Lord of the Rings trilogy is one of the most successful and beloved franchises in film history, proving that the biggest payoff isn’t always about money, sometimes it’s about legacy.
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.