How Much Do ‘Stranger Things’ Actors Get Paid?
Stranger Things
“Stranger Things,” the Netflix sensation, has not only captivated audiences globally but has also catapulted its young actors into stardom. With such immense popularity, fans often wonder: how much do the actors of Stranger Things get paid? This article dives deep into the earnings of the show’s main stars, exploring their salary growth, background, and the financial impact of their roles in this iconic series.
The Phenomenon of Stranger Things
Since its debut in 2016, “Stranger Things” has become a cultural phenomenon. The show’s blend of 80s nostalgia, supernatural elements, and compelling storytelling has garnered a massive fanbase. This popularity has significantly influenced the actors’ salaries, pushing them into the upper echelons of TV earnings.
Main Cast Salaries Overview
The main cast of “Stranger Things” has seen their salaries soar with each season. Finn Wolfhard, Noah Schnapp, Caleb McLaughlin, Gaten Matarazzo, and Sadie Sink, in particular, have benefitted greatly. By the show’s fourth season, each of these actors was reportedly earning over $7 million. Let’s break down their individual journeys and salary progressions.
Finn Wolfhard: From Unknown to Star
Finn Wolfhard’s Early Career
Before “Stranger Things,” Finn Wolfhard was relatively unknown. He landed the role of Mike Wheeler, which became his breakout performance.
Salary Growth Over Seasons
Initially, Finn’s earnings were modest, around $20,000 per episode. As the show’s popularity skyrocketed, so did his salary. By the third season, Finn was earning approximately $250,000 per episode, culminating in a substantial payday exceeding $7 million by the fourth season.
Noah Schnapp: The Evolution of a Fan Favorite
Noah Schnapp’s Breakout Role
Noah Schnapp’s portrayal of Will Byers was crucial from the start. His character’s mysterious disappearance set the entire plot in motion.
Earnings Through the Seasons
Noah started with a similar salary to his co-stars but saw significant increases over time. By season four, Noah Schnapp was also earning around $250,000 per episode, aligning his total earnings with his co-stars.
Caleb McLaughlin: Bringing Lucas Sinclair to Life
Caleb McLaughlin’s Background
Caleb McLaughlin came from a background in theater, having played Young Simba in “The Lion King” on Broadway.
Increasing Paychecks with Popularity
Caleb’s salary grew in tandem with his character’s development. His initial earnings were around $20,000 per episode, eventually increasing to $250,000 per episode by the fourth season, matching his co-stars.
Gaten Matarazzo: The Heart of the Show
Gaten Matarazzo’s Rise to Fame
Gaten Matarazzo, who plays Dustin Henderson, quickly became a fan favorite due to his charisma and unique character.
Pay Progression Over Time
Gaten’s salary saw a similar trajectory to his peers, starting modestly and increasing to $250,000 per episode by the fourth season, resulting in total earnings surpassing $7 million.
Sadie Sink: A Late but Impactful Addition
Introduction of Sadie Sink
Sadie Sink joined the cast in the second season as Max Mayfield, bringing a fresh dynamic to the show.
Her Salary Growth
Despite joining later, Sadie’s impact was significant, and her earnings reflected this. By the fourth season, Sadie was also earning $250,000 per episode, contributing to her impressive total earnings.
Supporting Cast Members’ Earnings
While the main cast sees the bulk of the earnings, supporting
cast members also enjoy substantial paychecks. Actors like David Harbour (Jim Hopper) and Winona Ryder (Joyce Byers) command higher salaries due to their established careers and significant roles in the series. Harbour and Ryder reportedly earn between $350,000 and $400,000 per episode, underscoring the show’s overall investment in top-tier talent.
Comparing Salaries to Other Hit TV Shows
When comparing “Stranger Things” salaries to other popular TV shows, it’s clear the actors are well-compensated. For instance, the child stars of “Stranger Things” now earn amounts similar to the young cast of “Game of Thrones” in its later seasons. The salaries also compare favorably to those in long-running sitcoms like “Friends” or “The Big Bang Theory,” where main cast members earned up to $1 million per episode in their final seasons.
Factors Influencing Their Salaries
Popularity and Ratings
The show’s immense popularity and high ratings are primary factors driving the cast’s salaries. Netflix’s investment in the series pays off as it consistently ranks among the platform’s top-viewed shows.
Merchandising and Media Appearances
In addition to their base salaries, the actors benefit from merchandising deals and media appearances. Action figures, apparel, and themed events contribute to additional revenue streams, further boosting their earnings.
The Impact of Stranger Things on Actors’ Careers
“Stranger Things” has significantly impacted the careers of its young actors, providing them with a platform to launch into other projects. Finn Wolfhard, for example, has appeared in major films like “It” and “Ghostbusters: Afterlife,” while Gaten Matarazzo has hosted the Netflix show “Prank Encounters.”
Future Prospects for the Cast
With the confirmed continuation of “Stranger Things” into its final seasons, the cast’s future prospects look bright. Their established fame and proven acting chops make them attractive candidates for a wide range of future roles, ensuring continued success in the industry.
Behind the Scenes: Negotiations and Contracts
Negotiations for the actors’ salaries are complex and involve their agents, Netflix executives, and legal teams. The significant pay increases seen over the seasons reflect the actors’ growing importance to the series and their negotiating power.
Conclusion
The actors of “Stranger Things” have seen their salaries grow substantially over the years, reflecting the show’s success and their rising stardom. From modest beginnings to multi-million dollar earnings, Finn Wolfhard, Noah Schnapp, Caleb McLaughlin, Gaten Matarazzo, and Sadie Sink have all benefitted from their roles in this cultural phenomenon. As “Stranger Things” continues, their futures look even brighter, promising more exciting developments both on and off the screen.