Walking Dead Cast Salary: A Peek into the Zombie Apocalypse's A-List
Hello there, fellow Walking Dead enthusiasts! Today, we're going to dish out some juicy details on the Walking Dead cast salary. Buckle up as we dive into the world of the apocalypse, where the undead aren't the only ones reaping what they sow. Guys, explore more in Status Updates and walking dead cast salary.
The Big Guns: Andrew Lincoln and Norman Reedus
Let's kick things off with the big guns, shall we? Andrew Lincoln, who played the beloved Rick Grimes, and Norman Reedus, who portrayed the crossbow-wielding Daryl Dixon, were the highest-paid actors on the show. As of Season 9, both actors were making an impressive $1 million per episode. That's right, folks! Each time Rick or Daryl graced our screens, they were walking away with a cool million. That's a far cry from the $60,000 per episode they were making back in Season 2.
Now, you might be wondering, "How did they reach the big leagues?" Well, it's all about negotiation and timing. After Season 6, Lincoln and Reedus were in a strong position to renegotiate their contracts. With the show's massive success and their characters' popularity, they managed to secure a $20 million deal for Seasons 7 and 8, which translated to that $1 million per episode figure.
The Core Group: The Rest of the OG Cast
Alright, so we've established that Rick and Daryl were bringing home the bacon. But what about the rest of the OG cast? Well, they were doing pretty well for themselves too.
- Chandler Riggs (Carl Grimes) was making around $100,000 per episode in Season 8, according to The Hollywood Reporter. That's a significant increase from his earlier seasons, where he was reportedly earning around $50,000 per episode.
- Melissa McBride (Carol Peletier) and Lauren Cohan (Maggie Rhee) were also raking in the big bucks. In Season 8, they were reportedly making around $100,000 per episode as well. However, Cohan's contract negotiations became quite public, with the actress holding out for a raise. She eventually returned for Season 9 after striking a deal with AMC.
- Steven Yeun (Glenn Rhee) and Danai Gurira (Michonne) were also among the highest-paid cast members. While their exact salaries aren't known, it's believed they were making around $200,000 per episode in Season 7 and 8.
The Newcomers: How Much Are They Making?
As the show progressed, new cast members joined the fray. Here are a few notable ones and their reported salaries:
- Jeffrey Dean Morgan (Negan) joined the cast in Season 6 and quickly became a fan favorite. By Season 8, he was reportedly making around $650,000 per episode.
- Seth Gilliam (Father Gabriel Stokes) and Ross Marquand (Aaron) were both making around $200,000 per episode in Season 8, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
- Austin Amelio (Dwight) and Xander Berkeley (Gregory) were making around $250,000 per episode each in Season 8.
The Walking Dead Cast Salary: A Comparison with Other TV Shows
Now, let's put the Walking Dead cast salary into perspective. Compared to other TV shows, the cast is doing quite well for themselves.
- Game of Thrones: The main cast members were making around $500,000 per episode in the final seasons. While that's more than what the Walking Dead cast was making, it's important to note that Game of Thrones had a much larger ensemble cast.
- Breaking Bad: Bryan Cranston was making around $500,000 per episode in the final seasons. Again, this is comparable to what the Walking Dead cast was making, but Breaking Bad was a much smaller show with fewer cast members.
- The Big Bang Theory: The main cast members were making around $1 million per episode in the final seasons. This is more than what the Walking Dead cast was making, but again, The Big Bang Theory was a sitcom with a much larger audience and fewer special effects.
The Walking Dead Cast Salary: What's Next?
As the show enters its final seasons, fans are wondering what the future holds for their favorite characters. While the cast salaries aren't likely to decrease, it's unclear whether they will increase. AMC has been known to be tight with their wallets, and with the show's ratings declining, it's possible that the cast might have to renegotiate their contracts.
But hey, that's a topic for another day. For now, let's just enjoy the show and appreciate the fact that our favorite characters are bringing home the bacon. After all, they've earned it, fighting off walkers and dealing with the harsh realities of the apocalypse.
Until next time, fellow survivors! Keep your eyes peeled and your weapons ready. The walkers are always watching.