AceShowbiz - Despite the massive box office success of the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, which grossed $2.9 billion worldwide, actress Cate Blanchett claims that the actors were severely underpaid for their involvement. During an appearance on "Watch What Happens Live", Blanchett stated that she "got free sandwiches and got to keep [her] ears" as compensation for playing Galadriel.

When asked by host Andy Cohen if she received any backend profits from the films, Blanchett replied, "No! That was way before any of that. No, nothing." She went on to express her desire to work with director Peter Jackson, known for his 1992 zombie comedy "Braindead."

Blanchett's revelation echoes the comments made by Orlando Bloom, who played Legolas in the trilogy. In 2013, Bloom disclosed that he was paid just $175,000 for all three movies, while Sean Astin (Samwise Gangee) reportedly earned $250,000. Elijah Wood (Frodo Baggins) was paid $250,000 for the first film but received $1 million for the third.

Blanchett's statements highlight the persistent gender pay gap in the entertainment industry. "Women don't get paid as much as you think they do," she said.

Despite the low salaries, the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy remains a critical and commercial success. Currently promoting the sci-fi film "Borderlands", Blanchett's character Lilith is an outlaw returning to her home planet to find a missing daughter. The film also stars Kevin Hart, Jamie Lee Curtis and Jack Black.