Neither Daniel Radcliffe nor Emma Watson: this was the highest-paid Harry Potter actor for screen time

The Harry Potter film franchise is considered one of the most successful in cinema history. Though it began more than 20 years ago and wrapped up over a decade ago, its impact remains powerful, continuing to spark conversations about the story, its characters, the cast, their salaries, and the lasting meaning it holds for audiences around the world.

Created by J.K. Rowling, the Harry Potter saga is much more than a tale of magic and adventure. It’s a vast universe that has left an indelible mark on millions of people worldwide – both readers and viewers alike.

The main cast – led by Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint – grew up before our eyes, transitioning from children to adults not only on screen but in real life as well.

Who is the best-paid Harry Potter actor per minute?

The franchise’s massive success meant that some actors saw their earnings skyrocket. Among the most surprising figures is that of Tom Felton, who played the unforgettable Draco Malfoy. Despite his relatively limited screen time, he made a staggering amount compared to his involvement. Here he is right at the beginning:

Felton was paid $16 million for just 31 minutes of total screen time across all eight films. That works out to more than $500,000 per minute, making him the highest-paid actor per minute in the entire franchise. An impressive figure, especially considering that while he was a recurring character, he was never one of the leads.

By comparison, Daniel Radcliffe earned $86 million for 539 minutes on screen ($159,556 per minute), Emma Watson made $40 million for 205 minutes ($195,122 per minute), and Rupert Grint took home $36 million for 211 minutes ($170,621 per minute).

While their total earnings were higher, none of them matched Felton’s rate per minute – a reminder that success within a franchise can show up in surprising ways, even among the same cast.

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