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Highest-Paid ‘Harry Potter’ Actor Revealed: Surprising Earnings

Source: Neither Daniel Radcliffe nor Emma Watson: this is who got paid the most in ‘Harry Potter’ (2025-11-28)

In the iconic Harry Potter franchise, the highest-paid actor was not Daniel Radcliffe or Emma Watson, despite their prominent roles. Instead, Tom Felton, who portrayed Draco Malfoy, earned approximately $18.5 million across the series, averaging around $600,000 per minute of screen time. This remarkable earning highlights how even characters with limited screen presence can command substantial pay, especially when factoring in franchise royalties and residuals. Since the release of the films, the franchise has continued to generate billions in revenue through box office sales, streaming rights, merchandise, and theme park attractions, making it one of the most lucrative media franchises in history. Recent industry reports indicate that actors involved in long-running franchises often see their earnings increase significantly through syndication and licensing deals, with some earning over $100 million from residuals alone. Additionally, the franchise's success has spurred a resurgence in Harry Potter-related content, including upcoming spin-offs and streaming series, further boosting the financial stakes for cast members. Notably, the franchise's financial impact extends beyond actors; it has created thousands of jobs worldwide and contributed billions to local economies through filming locations and merchandise sales. As the franchise continues to evolve with new projects, the earning potential for its cast and crew remains high, reflecting the enduring popularity and cultural significance of Harry Potter. This case exemplifies how strategic franchise participation can lead to extraordinary financial rewards, even for characters with brief screen time, emphasizing the importance of brand value and franchise longevity in the entertainment industry.

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