LOTR Rich List: The Wealthiest Actors in Middle-earth, Ranked

Middle earth minted more than movie magic. The saga’s stars parlayed their time in ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘The Hobbit’ into decades of high profile roles, steady television work, producing ventures, and savvy commercial partnerships. Many also built income beyond acting through companies, publishing, real estate, and global endorsements that reach audiences far outside fantasy fandom.

This countdown looks at the on screen fellowship and their ‘Hobbit’ era peers through the lens of long running franchise checks, major series salaries, back end participation where applicable, and side businesses that keep cash flowing between projects. The order reflects overall earnings power across film, television, stage, voice work, and entrepreneurial pursuits, ending with the star whose diverse portfolio stands tallest today.

Richard Armitage

Richard Armitage headlined ‘The Hobbit’ trilogy as Thorin and then shifted into steady series work across the UK and the US. He added leading turns in international thrillers and prestige miniseries along with consistent voice roles for animation and video games.

He also built a strong audio career through bestselling audiobooks and original dramas while maintaining stage work that keeps his profile high. Strategic festival films and streaming projects round out a career mix that delivers reliable paydays year after year.

Evangeline Lilly

Evangeline Lilly brought Tauriel to ‘The Hobbit’ while already established from long running success on ‘Lost’, where network seasons and global rebroadcasts continue to generate residuals. She expanded her reach with the ‘Ant Man’ films and appearances across the larger superhero universe.

Outside acting she earns from brand campaigns and publishing, including children’s books that sell internationally. Convention appearances and speaking engagements provide dependable ancillary income between studio releases.

Elijah Wood

Elijah Wood’s lead role in ‘The Lord of the Rings’ set the foundation for a diversified career that includes film, television, and prolific voice work in hits like ‘Happy Feet’ along with animated series and games. His television run on ‘Wilfred’ and frequent guest roles keep him active across mediums.

He is also a producer through SpectreVision, backing genre features that travel well worldwide and on streaming. A steady slate of festival titles, cult projects, and podcasting keeps revenue streams varied and resilient.

Andy Serkis

Andy Serkis turned Gollum into the template for modern performance capture and then stacked major franchises with ‘Planet of the Apes’, ‘Star Wars’, and appearances in the superhero world. He continues to combine live action roles with advanced mo cap performances that command top tier rates.

As a cofounder of The Imaginarium Studios he benefits from production, technology services, and training work for studios and brands. His directing credits on features and second unit leadership on large scale productions add substantial behind the camera income.

Martin Freeman

Martin Freeman stepped into Bilbo for ‘The Hobbit’ after building a television base with ‘The Office’, then reached global audiences through ‘Sherlock’ and award winning work on ‘Fargo’. Regular returns to major franchises as Everett Ross in ‘Black Panther’ and related series sustain his blockbuster profile.

He supplements film and series pay with narration, stage productions, and selective advertising campaigns. Producing and development partnerships give him additional participation on projects he fronts.

Hugo Weaving

Hugo Weaving’s Elrond sits alongside cornerstone roles like Agent Smith in ‘The Matrix’ and V in ‘V for Vendetta’, a portfolio that continues to perform in global distribution and licensing. He adds prominent voice credits for tentpole releases and commercials that leverage his distinctive delivery.

Weaving keeps a significant stage presence with leading roles in Australia’s major companies, which supports ongoing visibility and premium casting. The combination of film residuals, theatre engagements, and voiceover work creates a stable and long lasting earnings base.

Orlando Bloom

Orlando Bloom paired Legolas in ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘The Hobbit’ with Will Turner in ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’, two franchise pillars that bring worldwide box office and enduring residuals. He continues to headline series and action features that play well internationally.

Bloom’s portfolio includes producer credits, live stage runs in London and New York, and long standing brand partnerships across fashion and lifestyle. Appearances at global events and charitable galas also align with commercial work that keeps his profile commercially valuable.

Viggo Mortensen

Viggo Mortensen used Aragorn as a springboard into award recognized dramas such as ‘A History of Violence’ and ‘Green Book’. He commands strong fees for auteur projects and prestige titles that perform in theaters and on platforms worldwide.

Mortensen founded Perceval Press, publishes books of photography and poetry, composes music, and directs films such as ‘Falling’ and ‘The Dead Do not Hurt’. These activities diversify income while retaining creative control across multiple artistic lanes.

Liv Tyler

Liv Tyler’s Arwen sits alongside mainstream hits like ‘Armageddon’ and acclaimed television work on series including ‘The Leftovers’. Her filmography mixes studio pictures with independent titles that travel well and deliver ongoing library value.

She has fronted major beauty and fashion campaigns with global reach, adding multiyear endorsement revenue to screen earnings. Public speaking, charitable ambassadorships, and selective event appearances support a steady commercial calendar.

Ian McKellen

Ian McKellen blends Gandalf with Magneto in the ‘X Men’ films, giving him two multibillion franchises in addition to a deep catalog of acclaimed work. He remains in demand for film, television, and high profile voice roles that capitalize on his stature.

A lifetime on stage with West End and Broadway runs continues to draw premium audiences. Touring productions, published memoirs, and recorded performances contribute to consistent earnings that complement screen work.

Benedict Cumberbatch

Benedict Cumberbatch gave voice and movement to Smaug and the Necromancer in ‘The Hobbit’ while anchoring ‘Sherlock’ and leading the ‘Doctor Strange’ films. This combination delivers top tier film fees and premium series compensation along with lucrative worldwide participation.

He produces through SunnyMarch, which brings development deals, executive producer credits, and profit participation on select projects. High end endorsements and narration work for documentaries and campaigns add further scale to his earnings.

Cate Blanchett

Cate Blanchett’s Galadriel bookends a filmography that includes ‘Blue Jasmine’, ‘Carol’, ‘Tár’, and scene stealing turns in ‘Thor Ragnarok’ and ‘Ocean’s 8’. She commands premium fees for awards caliber roles and ensemble blockbusters with strong back end potential.

Her company Dirty Films develops and produces features and series with international partners, guiding projects from script to sale. Long running luxury brand relationships and leadership roles at major cultural institutions enhance both income and global influence.

Share your take on who else from Middle earth belongs on this rich list in the comments.