How Much Did the Actors of Stranger Things Make?
The hit Netflix original series, Stranger Things, has taken the world by storm with its nostalgic value, engaging storyline, and lovable characters. As the show’s popularity has grown, so have the paychecks of its talented cast members. In this article, we’ll delve into how much the actors of Stranger Things make and what they’ve earned from the show’s success.
Direct Answer: How much did the actors of Stranger Things make?
As of 2022, the main cast members of Stranger Things have reportedly earned the following amounts:
- Winona Ryder (Joyce Byers): $350,000 per episode (Season 1-3), $400,000 per episode (Season 4)
- David Harbour (Jim Hopper): $300,000 per episode (Season 1-3), $350,000 per episode (Season 4)
- Finn Wolfhard (Mike Wheeler): $250,000 per episode (Season 1-3), $300,000 per episode (Season 4)
- Millie Bobby Brown (Eleven): $200,000 per episode (Season 1-3), $250,000 per episode (Season 4)
- Gaten Matarazzo (Dustin Henderson): $150,000 per episode (Season 1-3), $200,000 per episode (Season 4)
- Caleb McLaughlin (Lucas Sinclair): $100,000 per episode (Season 1-3), $150,000 per episode (Season 4)
- Sadie Sink (Max Mayfield): $50,000 per episode (Season 1-3), $100,000 per episode (Season 4)
Season-by-Season Salary Hike
As the series’ popularity grew, so did the salaries of the main cast members. Here’s a breakdown of their salary increases from Season 1 to Season 4:
| Season | Winona Ryder | David Harbour | Finn Wolfhard | Millie Bobby Brown | Gaten Matarazzo | Caleb McLaughlin | Sadie Sink |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $250,000 per episode | $200,000 per episode | $150,000 per episode | $100,000 per episode | $50,000 per episode | $50,000 per episode | N/A |
| 2 | $300,000 per episode | $250,000 per episode | $200,000 per episode | $150,000 per episode | $75,000 per episode | $75,000 per episode | N/A |
| 3 | $350,000 per episode | $300,000 per episode | $250,000 per episode | $200,000 per episode | $100,000 per episode | $100,000 per episode | $50,000 per episode |
| 4 | $400,000 per episode | $350,000 per episode | $300,000 per episode | $250,000 per episode | $150,000 per episode | $100,000 per episode | $100,000 per episode |
negotiated deals and backend profits
The actors’ salaries are not just based on the base pay mentioned above. They also receive a percentage of the show’s backend profits, which adds significant amounts to their overall earnings. For example:
- Millie Bobby Brown, who plays Eleven, has a 10% stake in the show’s profits, which could earn her an additional $20-30 million per season.
- Finn Wolfhard, who plays Mike, has a 5% stake in the show’s profits, which could earn him an additional $15-20 million per season.
Tax implications
As the stars of Stranger Things, they also have to pay taxes on their earnings. The top tax rate in the United States is 37%, so for instance, Winona Ryder‘s $350,000 per episode net income would be reduced to $221,500 after taxes. Additionally, they may also have to pay state and local taxes, which can further reduce their take-home pay.
Conclusion
The main cast members of Stranger Things have seen their salaries increase significantly with each new season, reflecting the show’s growing popularity. As the show continues to attract new fans and break viewership records, the actors’ earnings will likely continue to rise. With backend profits and tax implications, their overall take-home pay will be substantial, making them some of the highest-paid actors in television.